French striker Karim Benzema has agreed to extend his current contract with Real Madrid for one more year, which was set to end by the end of the 2022-23 season.
According to reports, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has turned down a gigantic offer from an undisclosed Saudi Club, as the forward wishes to remain in Europe for at least another year. So far this season, he has scored 26 goals and provided 6 assists in a total of 35 games across all competitions.
Despite his growing age, he is still the preferred No.9 of Carlo Ancellotti’s side, who have recently qualified to the UEFA Champions League final after beating Chelsea FC in 2-0 home and 0-2 away leg victories. The Los Blancos are a bit behind in the LaLiga title race, though. After 29 games, Real Madrid are 2nd in the table with 62 points to their name, 11 points behind the top-place FC Barcelona.
Should Real Madrid win their 15th Champions League title, though, Benzema will be the top favorite to win the Ballon d’Or back to back.
The man will stop City from winning the Champions League
In Benzema we trust pic.twitter.com/MWvkuigp4H
— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) April 19, 2023
Benzema had reportedly received a deal similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo’s from Saudi Arabia, which involved a huge sum of money. The Frenchman has reportedly turned the offer down in favor of staying with Real Madrid for at least another season.
Karim Benzema sustained an injury during the Champions League 2nd leg
It has been confirmed by Carlo Ancellotti that Karim Benzema sustained a foot injury during Real Madrid’s 2nd leg Champions League victory over Chelsea.
"BENZEMA!" 😍
This kid was living the dream meeting the Chelsea and Real Madrid stars ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/mSQ9XHrsuK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 19, 2023
During the match, Rodrygo scored a brace and performed Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature “SIUUU” celebration, which secured the semifinal spot for the Los Blancos. The win didn’t come cheap, however, as David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Karim Benzema all succumbed to injuries and had to be substituted out.
Reflecting on Alaba and Benzema’s injuries, Ancelotti said: “Alaba has had a problem, his hamstring was tight and we had made the change at the end of the first half. Karim had a blow, a stomp on his foot, it started to bother him at the end and we changed him.”
With Benzema’s commitment to staying at Real Madrid for another year, the team and its fans can look forward to another season of the French striker’s formidable skills on the pitch.
