Real Madrid has officially announced that Karim Benzema will be leaving the club this summer, marking the end of his 14-season tenure at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Benzema’s departure follows the recent announcements of Marco Asensio, Mariano, and Eden Hazard leaving the club, making it a significant period of transition for Real Madrid.
The striker’s final game for the club will take place this Sunday in a home match against Athletic Club, marking the end of an era for both Benzema and Real Madrid. The club released an official statement on Sunday expressing their gratitude and admiration for Benzema, acknowledging his status as one of their greatest legends.
Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid in 2009 at the young age of 21 and has since been a key player during the club’s golden era. Over his 14 seasons, he has played an instrumental role in the team’s success, contributing to a record-breaking 25 titles for Real Madrid. These include five European Cups, five Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and four Spanish Super Cups.
Benzema’s individual achievements have been equally remarkable. He is the reigning Ballon d’Or and UEFA Player of the Year, and was also selected for the FIFA FIFPRO XI. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious Pichichi Trophy for being the top scorer in LaLiga. These accolades came after an extraordinary season, particularly in the Champions League, where Benzema’s exceptional performances helped Real Madrid secure their 14th European Cup. He ended the competition as its top scorer with an impressive tally of 15 goals.
With 647 appearances, Benzema is the fifth-most capped player in the history of Real Madrid. He is also the club’s second all-time leading scorer, having netted 353 goals. In addition to his records at Real Madrid, Benzema is the second highest scorer in both LaLiga and the European Cup, the fourth highest scorer in the history of the Champions League, and the fourth highest scorer in the history of LaLiga.
Throughout his career at Real Madrid, Benzema has exemplified professionalism and exhibited the values of the club. His conduct on and off the field has been commendable, making him a role model for aspiring players. Real Madrid acknowledges that Benzema has earned the right to decide his future, and they extend their best wishes to him and his family as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
Real Madrid assures that the club will always be Benzema’s home, recognizing his extraordinary contributions and considering him one of the great legends of both the club and world football. To honor his remarkable career, an institutional act of homage and farewell will be held at Ciudad Real Madrid on Tuesday, June 6, with the presence of Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez.