Xabi Alonso has boldly claimed that Chelsea striker Joao Pedro can be likened to one-time Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ Karim Benzema. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink agrees with that assessment, and the former Blues star has explained - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - four qualities that the Brazil international shares with the legendary French goalscorer.
Karim Benzema has seen a planned promotional photoshoot with Nike cancelled at the last minute. The sportswear giant abruptly ended the potential collaboration after concluding that the former Real Madrid forward's off-pitch history did not align with their brand values, scrapping a scheduled streetwear campaign filming session in London before he could even travel.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has firmly dismissed sensational speculation linking the German club with a move for veteran striker Karim Benzema. Despite widespread reports suggesting direct contact between both parties following the forward's release in Saudi Arabia, the Rhineland hierarchy have ruled out any late market swoop.
Karim Benzema was remarkably close to a sensational return to Lyon this summer, with the former Real Madrid superstar prepared to play for his boyhood club without a salary. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner had expressed immense enthusiasm for a homecoming to the Groupama Stadium before complex contractual hurdles ultimately derailed the move.
Karim Benzema’s adventure in the Saudi Pro League has come to an abrupt and unexpected end, with Al-Hilal confirming the termination of his contract by mutual consent on Monday. The former Real Madrid icon and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner leaves the Riyadh giants after just six months, casting serious doubt over whether he will continue his professional playing career.
Karim Benzema has been offered to Trabzonspor as negotiations with Al Hilal continue without a final agreement. The stunning development has sparked simultaneous talks between the Turkish club and the French star.
Al-Hilal are preparing for life after Karim Benzema, with manager Simone Inzaghi targeting Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as his replacement. However, any deal for the England international remains stalled while the Saudi club negotiate a contract termination payout with the 38-year-old Ballon d'Or winner.
Former France international Karim Benzema has offered his total institutional and personal backing for Zinedine Zidane ahead of his expected appointment as head coach of Les Bleus. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner labelled his former Real Madrid boss a true "legend" and a "big brother".
Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal has finally lifted the lid on the mystery surrounding his constant use of a hand bandage. The teenage sensation, currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Spain, revealed the look actually started with a gaming mishap and a nod to a Real Madrid legend.
Darwin Nunez is on the verge of another new chapter in his career. Could the striker be heading back to the Premier League? According to the Daily Mirror, the 26-year-old has mutually terminated his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
Al Hilal have secured their 12th Saudi King’s Cup title following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Kholood, with Karim Benzema adding another trophy to his illustrious collection. Despite falling behind early in the match, the Blues produced a rapid first-half turnaround to lift the prestigious silverware for the third time in four years.
Darwin Nunez is prepared to call time on his adventure in Saudi Arabia after reaching an agreement to leave Al-Hilal at the end of the current campaign. The former Liverpool striker has endured a difficult period in the Middle East, finding himself frozen out of the squad following a registration squeeze.
Harry Kane is considered to be the best No.9 in world football, with former team-mate Paul-Jose M’Poku explaining to GOAL why the Bayern Munich superstar sits above Kylian Mbappe on that list. The former Tottenham academy graduate has also speculated on whether the current England captain could be viewed as the greatest striker of his generation and how a late-career positional change may be on the cards.
Kylian Mbappe has firmly etched his name into the history books of European football once again following a record-breaking night for Real Madrid. The forward took centre stage during the Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich to surpass a mark previously held by Lionel Messi.
Sensational comments from the French striker on the title race
The French striker has ignited the title race with bold, attention-grabbing remarks that promise to dominate back-page headlines across Europe. In an exclusive interview, the seasoned goal-scorer laid out his personal ambitions, his team’s chances of lifting the trophy, and the fierce quality of competition they will face over the final weeks of the campaign. His words carry weight: delivered with typical Gallic flair yet underpinned by hard data on form, fitness and fixture list, they offer fans and analysts alike a clear window into the psychological and tactical battle that lies ahead. As the title race enters its decisive phase, such statements serve as both a warning to rivals and a rallying cry to teammates—a reminder that, in his view, only bold declarations followed by even bolder performances will secure the silverware.
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