Karim Benzema bids farewell to Real Madrid with a goal in draw against Athletic Bilbao

Karim Benzema scored the all-important equaliser from the spot against Athletic Bilbao before getting subbed off to a standing ovation from the Bernabeu faithful as the game ended 1-1. The draw allowed Real Madrid to finish a point ahead of Atletico Madrid in the points table as the runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga.

Real Madrid announced earlier that the match against Real Madrid would be the last of the 35-year-old Ballon d’Or winner in the white shirt. Karim Benzema is speculated to follow the footprint of Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Pro League.

“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and has represented the values ​​of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future,” the club said.

“Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great myths of our club and one of the great legends of world football.”

Karim Benzema was among Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s ‘Galactico’ signing as the French forward joined the club from Olympique Lyon at the age 21. During his 14-year stay at Real Madrid, Benzema won 25 titles, including five Champions League and Club World Cup each, four La Liga, Super Cup and Spanish Supercopa titles and, three Copas del Reys.

Benzema won the Ballon d’Or for the first time last year after the footballer won the Champions League final against Liverpool. He ended his Real Madrid career with 353 goals in 647 appearances while sharing renowned partnerships with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Junior, Mesut Ozil among others.