It is the end of an era. That of a young French striker who left very early - in 2009, at the age of 21 - to join one of the biggest teams on the continent. That of a complete player, sometimes decried, long remained in the shadow of the insatiable Cristiano Ronaldo. Finally, that of a leader who became indisputable in his last years in Spain, the best of his career.

"Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player of our club," Real wrote in a statement released Saturday a few hours before the last match of the season in the Spanish League, the reception of Athletic Bilbao (18:30) which will be his last match in the famous white jersey.

25 titles

In 14 seasons in the "White House", Karim Benzema leaves an indelible mark at the age of 35, with 25 titles including five Champions League wins.

He is almost at his peak: his last European title, in 2022, opened the doors of the Ballon d'Or, the first for a French player since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.

And his last half-hearted season - failure in the C1 semi-finals against Manchester City, currently second place in La Liga - will not have had time to erase the trace left by "KB9" in recent months, in the wake of a heroic European campaign last year. With 15 goals scored in this edition, he will remain the man of the 14th title of Madrid.

Having become captain, the N.9 has clearly taken control of Real's attacking game once CR7 left in 2018. He is currently, behind his former teammate, the second highest scorer in the history of the club, with 353 goals.

Karim Benzema poses with the Copa del Rey trophy on May 6, 2023 after Real Madrid's win over Osasuna at La Cartuja stadium in Seville © JAVIER SORIANO / AFP/Archives

"Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future," Real said, hinting that Benzema himself decided not to extend his contract.

Saudi Arabia in focus

His name has been linked for several days to Saudi Arabia, which would promise him a golden bridge to end his career. The club of al-Ittihad has, according to the Spanish press, offered him 200 million euros over two seasons to attract him in its league, where already plays a certain ... Ronaldo. Waiting perhaps for Lionel Messi, courted by this country with unlimited means.

Seeing him leave Madrid so abruptly is nevertheless a surprise, given his recent statements and a clause in his contract allowing him, thanks to the Ballon d'Or, to automatically renew his commitment for another year.

Karim Benzema holds up his Ballon d'Or on October 22, 2022 before the kick-off of the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Sevilla FC at the Santiago-Bernabeu stadium in the Spanish © capital JAVIER SORIANO / AFP/Archives

"Why should I talk about my future? I am in Madrid. Those who speak do so on the Internet, and the reality is not the Internet," Benzema said Thursday night at a ceremony in tribute to his career organized by Spanish sports daily Marca.

"He has one year on his contract, that's why we have no doubts" about his future, added Saturday his coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The day after this release, the future of the striker is decided, and Real announced the holding Tuesday, June 6 at 12:00 of a tribute to his player, in the presence of the president of the club Florentino Perez.

Karim Benzema in action during the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 9, 2023 © Thomas COEX / AFP/Archives

In the meantime, "El Nueve" is expected at the kick-off of the 38th matchday of La Liga against Bilbao, for a final appearance at the Bernadeu stadium. This will be his 648th game in the jersey that promoted him to the status of football star.

© 2023 AFP