He came, he conquered, and he left. It perfectly sums up Karim Benzema, who is leaving Real Madrid after 14 years. He continues to enhance his legacy by starting a new chapter of his career that will see him rivaling his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema and Ronaldo joined in the same transfer window for Real Madrid in 2009. Ronaldo left in 2018, and since then, Benzema has carried the goal-scoring responsibilities for the Los Blancos. And now the Frenchman is ready to start his Saudi Arabian adventure. But has Ronaldo influenced Benzema to join the Saudi Pro League?

Is Cristiano Ronaldo responsible for Karim Benzema’s move?

With a significant overhaul going on in Saudi Arabian soccer, the clubs backed by PIF are making some audacious moves. They want to land superstars from Europe. Al Ittihad made an enormous offer to Karim Benzema, nearly equaling the one offered to Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema was yet to sign a new Real Madrid deal and accepted the offer from Al Ittihad.

The Saudi Pro League champions offered a whopping $643 million contract over three years for the current Ballon d’Or winner. After the move was finalized, Benzema spoke in detail about it. Speaking about Ronaldo, he said, “Cristiano Ronaldo is already there, a friend who shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to move up a level. I’m here to win, as I did in Europe. I’m excited to see them in Jeddah.”

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It shows Ronaldo is one influence behind the transfer, along with an enormous offer and his zeal to try new challenges. Benzema once labeled Ronaldo more egoistic than him while speaking to the French outlet Canal Plus. Benzema said, “Cristiano and I get on well, and I like playing with him. He likes to play it first time. He is more egotistical than me, but that’s normal. It doesn’t bother me. In the end, it’s good for the team,” in 2017.

Nevertheless, Benzema leaves with his head high after an illustrious spell with Real Madrid

Karim Benzema leaves a behemoth legacy behind at Real Madrid

Karim Benzema will go down as arguably the best striker in the history of Los Blancos. With 354 goals, he is the second-highest scorer for the club after Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his 165 assists are the most in the club’s history. Moreover, the former French international is the most decorated Real Madrid player with Marcelo. Both club legends won 25 trophies with Los Merengues.

Karim Benzema finishes a fruitful chapter at one of the best soccer clubs in the world. It is difficult to make the place in the hearts of over-demanding Real Madrid fans. But Benzema did it by carrying the mantle for several seasons. Who would have thought that a 22-year-old will leave Real Madrid as a legend?

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How difficult would it be for Real Madrid to replace the goals of Benzema? Given the stature of the club, they can find a striker who can score, but it will be an uphill task to replace Benzema’s leadership. What do you make of the Frenchman’s move to Saudi Arabia? Do you think Ronaldo influenced his decision? Let us know in the comments section below.