Real Madrid announced on Sunday that striker Karim Benzema would leave the club in the offseason as a free agent after 14 trophy-laden years with the club. There has been speculation that Benzema may join Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. Benzema won the Ballon d’Or award in 2014.
After a season in which he suffered with ailments and lost out on France’s World Cup campaign in Qatar owing to another injury, the 35-year-old Frenchman had appeared to be ready to continue at the Spanish club for one more year. This news came after a season in which he missed out on playing for France in Qatar.
However, he is said to be considering other options after receiving an offer from Saudi Arabia that is valued by the media at more than 100 million euros ($107.05 million).
The Frenchman made the decision to nullify the one-year extension option that was included into his employment agreement.
“Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club,” the club stated in a statement. “Karim Benzema was an unforgettable player for our club during his time here,” the club said.
“Karim Benzema’s time at Real Madrid has been a model of conduct and professionalism, and he has exemplified the principles that guide our club. Karim Benzema has proven that he is deserving of the ability to choose his own path moving forward.
Benzema might follow his former Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to the Gulf country after Ronaldo signed a contract with Al Nassr in December worth an estimated more than 200 million euros over the course of two and a half years. Benzema played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
After Cristiano Ronaldo departed Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018, Karim Benzema emerged as the club’s primary threat to score goals. Benzema had previously played for Olympique Lyonnais before making the move to Real Madrid in 2009.
Benzema has scored more than 350 goals for Real, and he had his greatest season in the 2021-22 campaign, when he scored 44 times in all competitions to lead the team to a record-extending 14th European title as well as the LaLiga crown. In addition, he had his best season in the 2021-22 campaign.
He set a new record with the club by bringing home a total of 25 trophies, including five European Cups, four LaLiga championships, and three Copas del Rey.