Karim Benzema reveals task he set himself after Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid – as he opens up on feelings around his own shock exit
Karim Benzema has revealed the special challenge he set himself at Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo left in 2018.
Ronaldo had been the main man at the Santiago Bernabeu for the best part of a decade but more pressure fell on Benzema’s shoulders when the Portuguese left.
Benzema spent a further five seasons with Los Blancos before leaving for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in 2023 on a three-year contract £258million.
In 2022 the Frenchman lifted the Ballon d’Or for the first time after helping Madrid win the 2021-22 LaLiga and Champions League titles with 44 goals in 46 games.
And that accolade, reward for a long career, was not by chance as the striker had set himself the target of filling Ronaldo’s boots.
‘When Cristiano left, who had scored 50 goals, I said, “Now it’s time to step up and that I was going to work for it because I have the talent, but now I have to have more ambition than before,”‘ he told El Chiringuito.
Karim Benzema says he wanted to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo when the Portuguese departed Real Madrid
The Frenchman went on to win the Ballon d’Or after emerging from Ronaldo’s shadow
Ronaldo had dominated the scene with Los Blancos, but Benzema stepped up when he left
‘It’s normal, it’s normal (embracing added responsibility). Gareth Bale, €100m, it’s a lot, he was a good player too, it was normal. But this is fine with me.
‘I’m happy that Karim’s last image at Real Madrid is the one of a champion, a Ballon d’Or, and a captain.
‘I had the strength to continue but I preferred to leave like this, at the right time.’
Benzema scored a penalty on his farewell appearance for Real as they drew 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao.
In total, Benzema scored 354 times in 648 appearances for Real Madrid, winning four LaLiga titles and three Spanish Cups in additions to his five Champions League crowns.
Real had hoped Benzema would stay for another season by activating an automatic one-year renewal on his contract.
But he brought an end to a 14-year stint with the Spanish giants in 2023 and entered his new challenge with similar ambition.
‘It’s a new challenge for me, a new life, and I can’t wait to start training,’ he said after joining.
‘I will do everything to win trophies, to score, to show my talent, to satisfy the fans, the club, the president – everyone.’
That may well materialise this season, with Al-Ittihad sat top of the Saudi Pro League.
