Karim Benzema has signed for Al Ittihad, the club announced Tuesday, becoming the latest star to join the Saudi Pro League.
Al Ittihad has announced the signing of Karim Benzema, making him the latest high-profile player to join the Saudi Pro League.
The 35-year-old striker departed Real Madrid after spending an impressive 14 years at the Bernabeu. Benzema’s final goal for the club came in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club, marking the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
While it was initially anticipated that Benzema would extend his contract with Madrid for another year, he surprised many by joining his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
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The French international has inked a lucrative two-year deal, which is reported to earn him an astounding €400 million (£346m/$439m). This includes a staggering net salary of nearly €200 million per season, inclusive of commercial endorsements/deals.
Throughout his tenure at Real Madrid, Benzema etched his name in the history books, scoring a remarkable 354 goals in 648 appearances.
His contributions played a significant role in the club’s success, as he secured an impressive collection of 25 trophies, encompassing four LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues, three Copas del Rey, four Spanish Supercopas, four UEFA Super Cups, and five FIFA Club World Cups.
Despite facing injury setbacks that led to his exclusion from France’s World Cup squad, Benzema showcased his prowess on the pitch, netting 31 goals in 43 matches last season while also providing six assists. Notably, he played a crucial part in Madrid’s triumphant 2021-22 campaign, scoring 27 times in LaLiga and 15 times in the Champions League, aiding the club in securing both prestigious titles.
Benzema’s achievements at Real Madrid have solidified his position as the second-highest all-time goalscorer for the club, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Madrid organized an event at their training ground to honor the French striker, highlighting his immense impact on the team’s success over the years.
