Karim Benzema set to join Saudi Pro League champions; signs 2-year deal

Karim Benzema is said to have signed a two-year contract with Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia after leaving Real Madrid. The French striker will be playing against his former colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr. 

The Frenchman’s 14-year-long La Liga career came to an end when Real Madrid chose not to exercise the one-year contract extension provision. His deal with Al-Ittihad would reportedly include an additional option for one person, according to The Guardian. The source also disclosed that Benzema has already signed the paperwork; the only thing waiting is an official announcement.

His departure has come as a surprise to everyone: Carlo Ancelotti

With Real Madrid, Benzema won five UEFA Champions League championships and four La Liga championships. He served as his team’s star throughout the 2021–22 UCL season as they gracefully won the championship. He has won five FIFA Club World Cups, three Copa del Reys, three Supercopa de Espana championships, four UEFA Super Cup medals, and three Copa del Reys.

He was at his best during the 2021–22 season, winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or and being named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for that campaign. With 350 goals, he is also second all-time in scoring for Real Madrid. On Tuesday in Madrid, he will have a farewell news conference. He also scored a goal in his final game against Athletic Bilbao.

After the match in Bilbao, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti regretted Benzema’s departure. “His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but it has to be understood. It was a last-minute decision. Yesterday, he trained normally, and today he’s taken this decision. We have accepted it. I spoke to him this morning, and he said he was leaving, and I understood. He’s thought it through and his decision forms part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year. We have time to reflect on what we have to do. We’ll have a competitive squad next year”, Ancelotti stated.