Real Madrid has confirmed that Karim Benzema will leave the club after 14 years to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
The striker’s departure was revealed on Sunday, June 4, in a statement on the club’s website, which described him as a “fundamental player in this golden age of our history” and one of the club’s “greatest legends.”
Madrid has also announced that a tribute and farewell to the club captain will be held in the city on Tuesday to commemorate his remarkable tenure with the club.
The Ballon d’Or winner is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Jeddah-based club worth roughly £345 million.
Al-Ittihad is currently led by Nuno Espirito Santo, a former Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur manager, and won the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League, finishing five points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
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Benzema is Real Madrid’s second-highest goal scorer of all time, having won a club-record 25 trophies, including five Champions Leagues and four LaLiga titles, as well as the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
In a statement, Real Madrid announced, “Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for a player who is already one of our greatest legends.
“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future … Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and we wish him and his entire family all the best in this new phase of his life.”
Benzema joined Madrid from Lyon in 2009 and, despite a rough start, established himself as part of one of the club’s most successful forward lines alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
