Al-Ittihad have reached an agreement with Karim Benzema and his representatives on a two-year deal. The deal will run through June 2025, with an option to extend it for another season until June 2026.
Karim Benzema will earn around €150 million every season, without counting add-ons and bonuses. After Cristiano Ronaldo, he is now the world’s second most paid player.
France international and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has agreed to a two-year contract with Saudi Arabian football team Al-Ittihad.
The Ballon d’Or winner will leave Madrid as a free agent after 14 years and 25 trophies, including five UCLs. He will now join the Jeddah-based squad on a deal worth more than $214 million per year.
Benzema’s previous club confirmed yesterday in a statement: “Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club.”
“Karim Benzema’s Real Madrid career has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and he has represented our club’s values.”
Karim Benzema has earned the right to make his own decisions about his future.”
Al-Ittihad to sign Karima Benzema in 2 years Deal
According to Al-Ekhbariya, the president of Saudi champions Al-Ittihad and his deputy were in Madrid yesterday “to officially sign” Benzema in a “record transfer with Real Madrid.”
The 35-year-old will be following in the footsteps of former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al Nassr earlier this year as part of a $200 million-per-year deal, making him the highest-paid player in football history and the highest-earning athlete in 2023.
The decision also coincides with reports of Argentine World Cup champion Lionel Messi joining the Saudi Pro League. As of rumors, he will join the Saudi Arabian club after leaving France’s Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer. According to SPORT, Al-Hilal “intend” to announce Messi’s signing with them tomorrow. He is apparently getting offer of $400 million per year, which is more than his competitor Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr finished second in the league, below Al-Ittihad and above Al-Hilal.
The move also comes as Argentine World Cup champion Lionel Messi is said to be joining the Saudi Pro League after leaving France’s Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer. According to SPORT, Al-Hilal “intend” to announce Messi’s signing with them tomorrow. He is apparently being paid $400 million per year, which is more than his competitor Ronaldo, whose team finished second in the league, below Al-Ittihad and above Al-Hilal.
