Is Karim Benzema now the highest-paid footballer in the world?

The French star has joined Al-Ittihad making one of richest players in football

Karim Benzema has joined Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid after ultimately agreeing to a staggering offer from the Saudi Arabian side.

The Frenchman became the second-highest-paid player in the world, after Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, everything now depends on what happens with Lionel Messi's future, since he could outperform both of the former Real Madrid players if he agrees to join another Saudi club which will see him earn 400 million euros.

Benzema finally decided to accept a deal on Sunday, which would keep him under service until 2025 with a possibility to extend until 2026.

As a representative for the 2030 World Cup, that Saudi Arabia is vying to stage, he will be compensated with 100 million euros every season in addition to a 20 million euro bonus.

Therefore, the former Real Madrid star will get a minimum of 220 million euros and a maximum of 320 million euros in earnings overall.

The gap is considerable when you consider that he made 28 million euros gross every season while at Real Madrid.

He will have significant tax advantages because Saudi Arabia does not impose an income tax, which must be added to this.

In simple terms, Karim Benzema will get 86 million euros net extra every season, not including the 20 million bonus, if we estimate his compensation at Real Madrid to be worth roughly 14 million euros.

Another indication that Saudi Arabia is placing significant bets on the Arab league being more significant is the inclusion of stars like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo in the same tournament.