Valdebebas hosted the act of tribute and farewell to Karim Benzema (35 years old)legend of the white club who said goodbye after playing 648 games, scoring 354 goals, giving 165 assists to win a total of 25 titles (the same as Marcelo) with the Real Madrid shirt. The event, presided over by a large image of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, with two large photos of Karim himself (one, from the day he was presented in 2009 and the other, after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022), began with the issuance of a emotional video with images of the Frenchman, who looked serious and somewhat emotional, and continued with a few words from Florentino Pérez, who praised the French footballer: “Today is a very difficult day for me, in which memories and emotions experienced in the last 14 years come to mind.”.
Since the announcement of Karim’s farewell, I have seen an enormous feeling of sadness among Madridistas and football fans who have been moved by the magic of a footballer like Karim. Dear Karim, you have become one of the best of all time. We have seen you do incredible things with our shield in all parts of the world. And that will never be forgotten by any madridista. We are all very proud of you. You arrived very young and you have become a symbol and one of our great legends. With your way of understanding football, your goals… You have managed to move us. You have been and are a different footballer. Some were slow to understand you… You have defended the values of Madrid. You have been an example in everything. Today you leave Madrid with the love of the whole world. Here you have overcome many obstacles. You have known how to overcome the pressure of what it is to play in the best club in the world”.
The president continued: “Dear Karim, Today is also a day to be happy. You go down in the history of Madrid as one of the great myths. You have achieved everything, but we are also left with the how. Nobody has won more than you at Real Madrid. You end your time at Real Madrid with a Ballon d’Or. Dear friends, today one of the most incredible footballers in our history is leaving. Karim, you have been an example of behavior and professionalism in our club. As president I have to tell you that, in all these years, I would not know how to put a ‘but’ in your conduct. You have earned the right to decide your destiny. A future that only belongs to you and we must respect it. Benzema, you are an example for all children, whether they play football or not. You have earned the right to choose your destiny. We can only respect it. Thank you, Karim, for this football love story that we have already lived together and that is now eternal”.
Then Benzema spoke: “It’s difficult to speak with so many emotions, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my teammates. It was a good path in my life. I have been lucky enough to fulfill my dream as a child thanks to press. I was barely 21 years old and went to my parents’ house. When I saw him, I thought he is the man who has led Zidane and Ronaldo. I will never forget Real Madrid because it is impossible. It’s the best club in the world, but I think today is the time to leave and learn another story.”. He also wanted to thank Carlo Ancelotti and his teammates Courtois, Modric, Lucas Vázquez and Nacho for their presence: “Thanks also to the coach (Ancelotti), who gave me his confidence from the beginning. I have learned a lot with you. It’s a little sad day because I’m going to leave my club. I signed for Madrid and I wanted to retire here, but life sometimes gives you another chance and I have done it with my whole family. I will always be from Madrid. Thanks also to the fans for always giving me that strength. Thank you all, really”, to end with a double: “One, two and three, Hala Madrid!”
Subsequently, the president presented the gold and diamond insignia to French, before beginning the photo conference of those present: his brother, with Carlo Ancelotti, the board of directors, and with his colleagues. Raúl, Arbeloa (former teammates of the Frenchman) and Roberto Carlos were also present, the latter two also as club ambassadors.
648 matches, 354 goals, 165 assists, five Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups, four Leagues, four European Super Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and three Copas del Rey. That is the legacy that Karim Benzema leaves with the white shirt. Au revoir, Monsieur Benzema.