Karim Benzema joins Al-Ittihad following Real Madrid exit, earns lucrative deal

Karim Benzema joins Al-Ittihad (Source: Twitter)

Karim Benzema is set to become one of the highest paid footballers in the world after signing a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Benzema decided to go to the Middle East after ending his 14-year career at Real Madrid. The Frenchman's current contract with Al-Ittihad will expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, and he will reportedly earn around €200 million per year (around Rs. 1765 crores).

The latest developments will see Benzema join his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo was acquired by Riyadh-based club Al-Nasser for a whopping price. Meanwhile, after bidding farewell to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Lionel Messi is also rumored to be moving to Saudi Arabia.

"It's a good league and there are many good players. Cristiano Ronaldo is already there, a friend which shows Saudi Arabia is starting to further progress its level. I am here to win, like I did in Europe," said Benzema. The 35-yea-old's new club won the Saudi Pro League for the 2022-23 season while Ronaldo's Al-Nassr finished second in the points table.

Benzema leaves Madrid as one of the legends of the club

Real Madrid confirmed on Sunday that last year’s Ballon d’Or winner has decided to end his tenure with them despite having a year remaining on his contract. Benzema joined Los Blancos at the age of 21 in 2009 and departed as one of the legends of the club. In his fourteen seasons with the Spanish giants, he won 25 titles: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 Copas del Rey and 4 Spanish Super Cups.

“Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club. Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends,” Madrid said in a statement on Sunday.

Benzema is the second-highest scorer for Madrid (353) in all competitions, behind Ronaldo (450). Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Benzema’s decision to leave was a “massive surprise”.

"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."