Gareth Bale Shares Emotional Instagram Tributes to Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard

• Real Madrid announced the departure of Karim Benzema after 14 years at the club
• Benzema formed a star trio with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid
• Benzema and Eden Hazard join the long list of the club's end-of-season departures

Former Real Madrid attacker, Gareth Bale posted emotional tributes to Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard on his Instagram profile recently.

Both Benzema and Hazard are leaving Los Blancos at the end of the season.

Bale was a part of the famous BBC trio along with Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo that conquered European football. The duo shared many memorable moments on the pitch during their time together as teammates.

The Welshman had a message for his former French teammate as he wrote on his Instagram story:

"A Real Madrid legend. Pleasure to share so many great moments on the pitch. Good luck in your next steps."

Maradona to Mertens: List of top 10 Napoli legends of all time ranked

Football

Bale wasn't teammates with Hazard for very long. However, he left a message for the Belgian as well, writing:

"Good luck my friend."

Benzema joined Los Blancos from Olympique Lyon in 2009 as a promising striker. Over the years, he became a reliable presence in the team's attack, reaching the pinnacle of his career while winning the 2022 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

He leaves as the historic club's second highest goal-scorer, only behind the great Ronaldo.

Hazard, on the other hand, arrived at the Spanish capital in 2019 as one of the best players in the world, perhaps the best Premier League player at that point in time.

However, his career went downhill since the move to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, making only 76 appearances, scoring seven goals, and providing 12 assists.

Vinicius Jr's tribute to Benzema

When Vinicius Junior joined Real Madrid as a teenager in 2018, Benzema took the Brazilian under his wings and helped him grow and mature at the club as well.

Revealed! 15 times Cristiano Ronaldo surprised the football world

Football

Their partnership blossomed with time and in recent seasons, the duo were the club's most influential attackers.

As Benzema prepares to leave the Spanish giants, Vinicius penned a heartfelt goodbye message, writing:

"Benzvini, Vinzema... Whatever. The result has always been the same: goals, laughter, titles, and above all, learning. When the boy from São Gonçalo, too shy, arrived in Madrid in 2018, you were the first to receive me."

Vini said he would never forget the Frenchman and appreciated how they conquered Spain, Europe, and the world together.

"And I was able to applaud his Balon D’Or. You will be greatly missed. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING LEGEND," he added.

Benzema looks set to join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League according to Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Vinicius, meanwhile, will need a new strike partner. The likes of Harry Kane and Kai Havertz are topping Real Madrid's wishlist as they look to bolster the team for next season as reported by Relevo.

Ranking the 10 best attacking trios in football history

Football

Benzema breaks Ronaldo’s league record

The French striker ended his La Liga career in style after netting a goal in his final game for Real Madrid, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, June 4.

Sports Brief earlier reported that Benzema has now surpassed Ronaldo in terms of most goals scored against one opposition in La Liga after netting a penalty during the match.

The goal against Athletic Bilbao was his 18th against the La Liga side, surpassing Ronaldo’s tally which was set when the Portugal forward was still a player with Real Madrid.