Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema has hinted at a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu where he enjoyed 14 successful years with Real Madrid when he finally calls time on his trophy-laden career.
Benzema places second behind only Cristiano Ronaldo on Real Madrid’s all time top scorers chart with 354 goals in 648 appearances. The Frenchman is also Los Blancos’ top assist provider, having supplied 165 assists during his time at the Spanish capital club.
He left Madrid for the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023, joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. Since moving to Saudi Arabia, the former French international has made 54 appearances for Al-Ittihad, scoring 34 goals over the course of two seasons.
Speaking in an interview with media outlet Mega, Benzema opened up on his desire to return to Real Madrid. However, the 37-year-old admitted his uncertainty about which role he would be taking up.
“The other day I was with Florentino in Madrid. When he signed me [in 2009], I told my father that as long as he was at Real Madrid, I would be there,” the Frenchman explained.
“He was the first person I called when I decided I was leaving. He didn’t quite understand…I told him that the youngsters, Vinicius and Rodrygo, were ready.
“When I retire, I want to be close to football. Coach? I don’t know, it seems more complicated than being a player. I want to be close to Florentino.”
Benzema also revealed what life in Saudi was like; “I feel good here,” he said.
“My life is like in Madrid. I get up, train at home in the gym and in the afternoon I train with the team. In the evening, I sometimes go out to dinner or to the beach. Here you can’t walk down the street either, people are crazy about football.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
