Real Madrid superstar agrees new contract amid rumours of reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr - Reports

Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema has agreed to extend his stay in the Spanish capital amid interest from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, French outlet Foot Mercato has reported.

Since Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, Benzema has emerged as the undisputed talisman at Real Madrid. The 35-year-old striker has been scoring goals galore, helping the club win two La Liga and one Champions League title.

Benzema enjoyed his best run of form in the 2021-22 season, scoring 44 goals and providing 15 assists to fire Madrid to a Champions League-La Liga-Spanish Supercup treble. Thanks to his stellar performances, Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d’Or award.

Benzema’s excellent run of form has made him an integral part of Real Madrid, and according to Foot Mercato, the club wish to keep him. It has been claimed that Benzema, whose contract expires in June 2023, has accepted a one-year extension, meaning he will remain at the club till June 2024.

Furthermore, the report adds that Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are also keen to add Benzema to their ranks.

However, as Benzema has always wanted to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will not be changing his mind. Everything has reportedly been hashed out between Benzema and Madrid, and the official announcement, confirming the extension, is expected to drop soon.

Benzema has been firing on all cylinders for Madrid this season too, scoring 11 goals in 16 games across competitions. He scored the only goal in the Whites’ 3-1 Spanish Supercup final defeat to Barcelona on Sunday (January 15).

---

Karim Benzema denies reports of rift with former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo visited Los Blancos’ training facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (January 13).

The Portuguese took pictures with many of Madrid’s players, including the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao. Benzema was not seen sharing a moment with Ronaldo, paving the way for reports of a rift between the former strike partners.

Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Supercup final, Benzema denied such reports, saying that he didn’t need pictures with Cristiano Ronaldo to prove that they were friends.

“He was at our training session, but we didn't need a photo to show we're friends. We don't need that for Instagram and Twitter and all that,” Benzema said, as per Marca. Even though he was there, I didn't have time to say hello to him. Hopefully I can see him tomorrow at the final and speak to him.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema spent nine successful years at Real Madrid (2009 to 2018), combining for 76 goals in 342 games across competitions.