Karim Benzema took responsibility upon himself to help Real Madrid win trophies following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018. The Frenchman delivered as expected with titles and individual awards.
It is believed Karim Benzema was overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo while the Portuguese striker was still at Real Madrid.
And after Ronaldo’s departure, the Frenchman carried the weight of the club on his shoulders in helping them win important matches and trophies.
The 35-year-old will be leaving Los Blancos at the end of the season since his 2009 move from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
14:29 - 04.06.2023
Karim Benzema: Factors behind the legendary Frenchman leaving Real Madrid
Karim Benzema is leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season and here are the factors responsible for his departure from the club.
Apart from winning many trophies with the Galacticos, Benzema also played a key role in the club’s success following Ronaldo’s departure in 2018.
Here are the important honours Benzema helped Real Madrid win during the post-Ronaldo era
1. He won two La Liga titles
Real Madrid won the title in the 2019-20, 2021-22 seasons and Benzema was instrumental in Los Blancos’ success in these years.
The Frenchman won La Liga’s topscorer during the 2021-22 season scoring 27 goals, ten ahead of Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior who bagged 17.
2. Copa del Rey jinx broken
Real Madrid finally delivered the Copa del Rey into their trophy cabinet after nine years of waiting with the help of their star man Benzema.
The 35-year-old scored a semi final hat-trick against bitter rivals Barcelona at Camp Nou to help Real win the game 4-0 after the first ended 1-1 at the Bernabeu.
Madrid then beat Osasuna 2-1 in the final to lift the King's Cup nine years after Ronaldo helped the club win it.
13:33 - 04.06.2023
Benzema bigger legend than Ronaldo — Real Madrid fans
Karim Benzema will officially leave Real Madrid this season after 14 years at the club and some Real Madrid fans believe the Frenchman is a bigger legend than Cristiano Ronaldo.
3. Individual accolades
Benzema’s performance helped him win individual awards which would have ordinarily been handed to Ronaldo if he was still playing for the Whites.
The Frenchman scooped the 2022 Ballon d’Or award at age 34 when he helped Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League.
He was the Champions League and La Liga topscorer with 15 and 27 respectively with a season ending Ballon d’Or accolade.