Breaking: Benzema Ends Contract with Real Madrid after 14 Seasons

By Gharny Yeku

It’s official. Real Madrid have announced the departure of legendary attacker Karim Benzema via an announcement published on the official website on Sunday morning.

Real Madrid will hold a special tribute ceremony this Tuesday at noon (local time) to honour Benzema’s departure after 15 years with the club.

“Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close,” management of the club said.

Real Madrid also said it would like to show gratitude and affection to Benzeman, a player they described as one of the greatest legends produced by the club.

The statement further read: “Karim Benzema joined our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history.

“During the fourteen seasons in which he has represented our badge and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for any Real Madrid player: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 King’s Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups.

“Karim Benzema is the current UEFA Ballon d’Or and UEFA Player of the Year, as well as being included in the FIFA FIFPRO XI and winning the Pichichi Trophy 2022.

“Awards received after one of the most extraordinary seasons in our history, especially in the Champions League, in which our captain played some memorable matches that contributed to Real Madrid winning their 14th European Cup in Paris, being the top scorer of the competition with 15 goals.

“Karim Benzema is the fifth player who has worn our shirt the most times with 647 appearances, and is Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer with 353 goals. He is also Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer in both La Liga and the European Cup. He is also the fourth top scorer in the history of the Champions League and the fourth top scorer in the history of La Liga.

“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.

“Madridistas and all the fans all over the world alike have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great icons of our club and one of the great legends of world football.

“Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we wish him and all his family all the best in this new stage of his life.

“Next Tuesday 6 June, at 12:00pm (CEST), an institutional act of homage and farewell to Karim Benzema will take place at Real Madrid Sport City, which will be attended by our president, Florentino Pérez.”

Benzema leaves Real Madrid as the second-best scorer in the history of the club after his 14 seasons in the Spanish capital. The French attacker conquered five Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles, winning a total of 25 titles in the club.

Benzema will play his last match as a Real Madrid player today, where he should be expected to receive the love and support from the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.