Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid: the conditions of his new contract in Saudi Arabia

On the final day of their 2022-23 season, Real Madrid have announced that forward Karim Benzema will leave the club after 14 seasons.

Benzema has this week been linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia, with a reported €200m deal over two seasons being offered to the Frenchman.

As part of his new agreement, Benzema could also be an ambassador for the country’s joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

Benzema leaves Real Madrid

In a statement released on the day of their match with Athletic Club, Real Madrid said:

“Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club.

“Real Madrid would like to show its gratitude and affection to the man who is already one of our greatest legends.

“Karim Benzema joined our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden era of our history. During the fourteen seasons in which he has defended our badge and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for Real Madrid: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 3 Copa del Reys and 4 Spanish Super Cups.”

Second highest scorer in Real Madrid history

Benzema has played 647 times for Madrid, and in well over a decade in the Spanish capital, became the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the club with 353 goals.

After he says goodbye to the club’s supporters at the Bernabéu on Sunday, Real Madrid will officially bid farewell to the 35-year-old on Tuesday 6 June.