Karim Benzema to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia's Pro League

Jack Dutton

Jun 1, 2023

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema — Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema kicks to score his team's first goal during a match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 24, 2023. — Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema will leave the Spanish side this summer to join the Saudi Pro League, according to multiple reports.

ESPN reported on Thursday, citing anonymous sources, that the Frenchman will join Saudi Football League champion Al Ittihad when his contract expires this month. Earlier this week, the sports channel reported that Benzema was offered a two-year contract worth €400 million to move to Saudi Arabia in January, the same deal made to Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December after leaving Manchester United. It had also been reported that Benzema’s signing would help Saudi Arabia try to land the 2030 World Cup and the French striker could become an ambassador for the competition.

Foot Mercato reported Thursday that Benzema has told Real Madrid that he wants to leave.

The 35-year-old French striker has won 24 trophies — including five Champions Leagues — in 24 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu. Benzema had become Real Madrid's second-highest all-time goal scorer, with more than 350 goals to his name. Only Ronaldo managed to get more goals at Madrid, scoring 450 goals in 438 matches.