5th Highest-Earner After $200 Million Real Madrid Exit, Al Ittihad’s Karim Benzema Eyes Returning to Spanish Giants For a Rare Gesture

It’s rather apparent that Karim Benzema is one of the greatest Real Madrid strikers in the club’s history. The French striker even outscored Real fan favorite and former club captain and Galactico Raul. But despite Benzema’s $200 million deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, his romance with the famed club hasn’t ended yet.

Benzema scored a total of 354 goals in his time at the Madrid-based outfit, breaking Raul’s record of 323 goals for Los Blancos. While he has settled well in Saudi Arabia for his next chapter, a return seems on the horizon. As per recent reports, the French striker could rather poetically grace the fabled pitch of the Bernabeu in Madrid again.

Karim Benzema could get a tribute match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

Benzema left Real Madrid after a glittering career that saw him win 5 Champions League titles, 4 La Liga titles, 3 Spanish Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups. Since then, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has since scored 3 goals and made 2 assists in 7 games for his new club Al Ittihad this season.

But as per recent reports, as this tweet on X by Madrid Xtra states, Al Ittihad is looking at setting up a tribute match for Benzema at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite Benzema being the 5th highest-paid soccer player in the Saudi Pro League, the ex-Real Madrid frontman hasn’t been at his prolific best for Al Ittihad. The 35-year-old striker has been struggling with niggling injury issues. However, Benzema did return for Al Ittihad against Al Ahli in their recent Saudi Pro League clash.

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Al Ahli secures a famous win despite Karim Benzema’s return

Benzema played the full 90 minutes against Al Ahli after two games out of the squad in Ittihad’s games against Al Fateh and Al Fayha. The former Real Madrid striker was on a hot streak scoring against Al Hilal and Al Akhdoud before he got injured.

But on the night of his return to action for Al Ittihad, Al Ahli managed to secure a famous win after Franck Kessie’s stunning volley in the 31st minute. Former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante came close shortly after in the 42nd minute and Benzema hit the post soon after in the 45th minute just before half-time. Benzema also played Kante through in the 88th minute but Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stopped his former teammate’s strike.

Nevertheless, despite the loss, it’s certain that Benzema will look to guide Al Ittihad to some silverware this season as they currently sit in 4th in the SPL table.

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