Benzema gets new two-year Real Madrid contract

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 20 Aug 2021 14:10 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid have given Karim Benzema a new two-year contract that runs until 2023 and reportedly has a release clause of €1 billion.

The Bernabeu side have seen Benzema emerge as their key attacking force since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Frenchman excelling particularly last term as he scored 30 goals in 46 matches and notched a further nine assists.

Despite that contribution, however, there had been some speculation that Benzema might depart the club this summer due to the fact that his previous deal run out in 2022. Those whispers, however, have been quietened.

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In a brief statement on the club's official website, it was confirmed: "Real Madrid CF and Karim Benzema have agreed to extend the player's contract, which will remain linked to the club for the next two seasons, until June 30, 2023."

Benzema at Real Madrid

Benzema has been with Real Madrid since 2009, when he joined from Lyon in a €35 million deal that included a further €6m in bonuses.

At that time, he was tipped as one of the game's next great superstars, but while he has never quiet attained that status, his longevity at Real Madrid is evidence of the quality he has shown throughout the intervening 12 years.

Benzema has hit at least 10 goals in 11 of his 12 completed seasons with Real Madrid, and has becoming increasingly important since the departure of Ronaldo to Juventus in 2018.

During the subsequent three campaigns, he has netted 20 goals in each La Liga campaign and has twice totalled 30 goals in all competitions. Indeed, the 32-year-old's return of 30 goals in 46 games last term is a personal best in terms of goals-per-game ratio.

Benzema, therefore, still has much to give at Real Madrid over the next two seasons.