Karim Benzema, a goalscoring legend departs
Karim is leaving. A legend of Real Madrid is leaving. A signature player who began at the Bernabéu under suspicion (Mourinho even called him Gato, the cat), but he knew how to reinvent himself and unleash his hidden Aladdin’s lamp after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, signing off seasons filled with magic, breathtaking goals, and exquisite football.
Karim is like the great bullfighters, who have loyal and unwavering followers, but also a critical sector that always demanded a little more from him. For me, he has an immeasurable value as he managed to reset his career after the departure of a colossus like Cristiano. From then on, he reached excellence through consistency, previously having relied on small doses of his immense quality in isolated matches.
His marvelous displays in the unforgettable comebacks en route to the 14th European Cup will remain for eternity, as well as his stunning goal in the Calderón, dribbling past the entire defense of Cholo on a dime. Then there was a prodigious backheel in Cornellà that gifted Casemiro a fantasy goal.
Benzema is leaving us after a season in which, despite the ups and downs, he has scored 30 goals. He departs as the second-highest scorer in the history of the club, surpassing legends like Raúl, Di Stéfano, Santillana, and Hugo Sánchez.
Karim, you will always be in the list of saints for Madridistas. Good luck wherever you go. Allez Karim.