Karim 'the Dream' Benzema leaves Real Madrid

Karim Benzema, arguably one of the greatest strikers of the 21st century, has announced he will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2023 season. The French striker scored 353 goals throughout his 14 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, making him one of the club's most efficient goalscorers.

Benzema was tied to Real Madrid until June 2023 however, both the club and player have agreed to part ways. A transfer deal linked to Al-Itthad FC would see Karim Benzema lead a new project for the Saudi Arabian league winners.

During his last game at the Bernabeu, Karim scored one last goal for the fans. His penalty leveled the game 1-1 versus Athletic Bilbao, which sent Real Madrid back to 2nd on the league table. After the game, he was given a standing ovation.

Karim 'the Dream' led Real Madrid's attack for over a decade, alongside other great football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, forming the legendary 'BBC'.

Born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France, Benzema's journey to football stardom is a testament to his talent and determination. His football career began at a young age when he joined the youth academy of his hometown club, Olympique Lyonnais.

His exceptional skills and scoring prowess quickly caught the attention of both fans and coaches. At the tender age of 17, Benzema made his professional debut for Lyon's senior team in 2004. He played a pivotal role in Lyon's dominance of French football, helping the team win multiple league titles.

In 2009, Karim signed for one of the world's most iconic football clubs, Real Madrid. The Spanish giants secured his services, making him a crucial part of their 'galactico' squad. At Real Madrid, Benzema forged an extraordinary career, becoming one of the club's all-time leading goal scorers.

The French striker has gained a total of 25 titles during his 14 years in Madrid. A total of 5 Champions League,  4 leagues, 4 Spanish Supercups, 3 Copa del Rey (domestic cup), 4 European Supercups, and 5 FIFA Club World Cups.

Benzema's playing style is characterized by his versatility as a striker. He possesses a rare combination of strength, speed, and finesse, allowing him to score goals from various positions on the pitch.

His exceptional link-up play and ability to create opportunities for his teammates have solidified his status as one of the most complete forwards of his generation.

However, Benzema's journey has not been without its share of challenges. Despite his on-field success, he faced controversies and setbacks along the way.

In 2015, he was involved in a legal case related to an alleged blackmail attempt against a fellow teammate. The incident resulted in his exclusion from the national team for several years.

Nevertheless, Benzema's resilience and determination have always shone through. After a lengthy absence, he returned to the French national team in 2021, receiving a hero's welcome.

His comeback showcased not only his exceptional abilities as a player but also his maturity and growth as a person. A true role model in the football world.

Karim 'the Dream' earned himself a spot in the Hall of Fame of European football. He won the acclaimed title in 2022 and will leave Real Madrid as a Balon D'Or legend.

The veteran striker will join the Saudi champions, Al-Itthad for two seasons. It is estimated he will earn somewhere around $100,000,000 a year. A well-earned retirement plan!