Nearly two years after leaving Real Madrid, Karim Benzema opens up about his surprising decision. Having spent 14 years at the club, winning every possible title including the 2022 Ballon d’Or, the French striker shocked the football world by choosing to move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on Los Amigos de Edu, Benzema reflected on his early struggles at Madrid. “My first years were very tough. I didn’t know what Real Madrid truly was. I was young, didn’t speak the language, and was far from my family. The criticism was hard to take, but I learned to be mentally strong,” he shared.
Despite the challenges, he grew into one of the most iconic strikers in Real Madrid’s history, leading the team to countless victories.
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Leaving as a Legend, Avoiding a European Rival
For Benzema, leaving Madrid wasn’t just about finding a new challenge—it was about leaving at the peak. “I did everything. I arrived as a kid and left as a man, with all the titles and the Ballon d’Or. Nobody knows how I would have performed the following season,” he admitted.
One thing was clear: he could never wear another European club’s jersey. “Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I couldn’t join a team that might face Madrid, like PSG or Manchester City,” he revealed.
Benzema’s departure was more than a transfer—it was a testament to his loyalty and respect for the club that made him a legend.
