"I'm super grateful for everything he brought to the club," said 20-year-old Riquelme Berna ahead of the Real star striker's final game against Athletic Bilbao that ended in a 1-1 draw.

He oscillates like many between sadness and understanding about the decision of the Ballon d'Or 2022, whose departure was formalized earlier in the day by Real.

"It pains me that he leaves, but he no longer has the same performance (...) At this age, it's normal," he added before entering the stadium.

Inside, the France international, one of the club's all-time top scorers, received a standing ovation at the entrance and exit of the pitch in the 73rd minute, just after converting a penalty that much of the stadium demanded he shoot.

In the "zona sur", one of the most active, the chants and flags in honor of "Karim" have not stopped.

Before the match, the surroundings of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium saw a continuous flow of white jerseys, especially those of the number 9, that of Benzema, now nicknamed the "Nueve", which also floods the shops of supporters.

"There are more people buying products from Benzema... the fans love him a lot, because he's been there in a lot of good times, so people want a souvenir," said Alvaro Gonzalez, a 16-year-old salesman between two customers.

Karim Benzema lifted by his Real Madrid teammates at the end of the last day of La Liga against Athletic Bilbao on June 4, 2023 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid © Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP

"I didn't expect it"

When the players' bus arrived, many children asked "where is Benzema?"

Some had even come at the last minute and on purpose to see the French striker who, in 14 years in the jersey of Real, has collected 25 trophies.

"Frankly, I didn't expect it," said Carlos Sanchez, outside the ticket office to try to get a seat.

"His time has arrived" and "his exit is totally respectable," he said.

Others are more bitter.

"It's a big loss for the club, it's one of the greats who is leaving," said Wiliam Silva, 51.

At the exit of the metro, Emanuel Rodriguez, 16, admits to be "sad", because "the victory in the Champions League last year, it is partly to him that we owe it", although he considers his decision "expected" given the frequent injuries of the player this season.

Beyond the statistics, he retains from Benzema "the professionalism, the constant calm, the tranquility that he transmitted to the team".

A possible departure of the Frenchman to Saudi Arabia where he could join the club of Al-Ittihad for a contract already qualified as a record, does not surprise him, because Cristiano "Ronaldo did the same" in January.

It remains to be seen who will replace it, and if it is really replaceable.

Karim Benzema on the pitch of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium with his son Ibrahim at the end of his last La Liga match in the Real shirt on June 4, 2023 in Madrid © Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP

For Jesus, "they have to sign a number 9, but it's going to be hard to find."

At the end of the match, Karim Benzema received a final ovation alongside his son Ibrahim. Merengues fans were able to say goodbye, before an official ceremony planned by the club on Tuesday.

© 2023 AFP