It is one of the world’s toughest strikers who right now is squandering his enormous talent in Saudi Arabia. – When he came to the desert country, his explanation was a desire to build up football in the country and certainly not the money. No one believed him when his paycheck was revealed.
Well, now with a well-filled account, Karim Benzema can return to Europe, but that is under one condition.
Surprising conversations have taken place.
The French striker has spent two seasons in the Saudi Arabian professional league.
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Karim Benzema may be about to make a sensational return to European football, but he has one very important condition before he says yes to such a transfer. The French striker is widely recognized as one of the best strikers of the 21st century.
After five years in Lyon’s first team, he joined Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he went on to win 25 trophies, including five Champions titles.
His greatest season came in 2021/22, when he scored 44 goals in 46 games and fired Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double.
He spent one more year in Spain before moving to Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad in 2023, where he signed a three-year contract.
With that deal set to expire in June 2026, speculation is now starting to ramp up around what Benzema’s next career choice will be. In a recent interview with Spanish website AS, he revealed that a return to European football is still a possibility.
“It’s true that I have offers from Europe.”
“I have to look at everything, choose wisely, and see where I feel comfortable, not forgetting that I thrive here and receive affection from everyone. But we’ll see.”
“They ask me for things, and I give them things. It’s all fifty-fifty, but things happen.”
“I’m not going to quit football and stop competing in six months.”
While a return to Real Madrid may be the dream scenario, Benzema explained that such a move would only happen if club president Florentino Pérez wanted him back.
“If Florentino is still there, it can happen, it can happen,” Benzema continued.
“I’m talking to him, and it’s possible. I’m a Real Madrid fan. I feel it in my soul.”
“Madrid is still my city, I feel like a Real Madrid supporter and a Madrileño. We’ll see what happens. If he’s there…”
Benzema also praised the rising standards of the Saudi Arabian professional league and emphasized how the level has improved since his arrival in 2023.
Al-Ittihad won the league last season, with Benzema as the team’s top scorer with 21 goals.
However, they have had a disappointing start to the current season and are currently in eighth place, with just 11 points from their opening eight games.
The Frenchman has missed three of those games due to injury, which could be a sign that his body is no longer able to handle the physical demands of top-flight football.
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