Karim Benzema 'agrees' Real Madrid return

Cameron Smith

16 Dec 2024 10:00 CST
3 min read

Karim Benzema, Al-Ittihad, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Karim Benzema has reportedly reached an agreement to return to Real Madrid as a club ambassador when he announces his retirement.

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The 36-year-old left Los Blancos to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad last summer, but he is now considering ending his playing career at the end of the current campaign, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.

Benzema’s current contract at Al-Ittihad runs until 2026, however he is contemplating an early retirement and the club are open to an exit due to his lucrative €100 million annual salary.

Furthermore, Relevo have revealed that Benzema has already agreed to become an ambassador for Real Madrid when he retires from playing, with his primary focus set to be in the Arab region.

Benzema still maintains a strong relationship with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez and the Frenchman is reportedly seen as the perfect candidate to bolster Real Madrid’s image in the Middle East.

The Real Madrid legend is expected to help with marketing campaigns and “carry the name of Madrid through Arabia,” as per Relevo.

Karim Benzema to leave Al-Ittihad next summer?

Benzema is Real Madrid’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, and he won a total of 25 trophies during a 14-year spell with the Spanish giants.

The former France international remains committed to the Al-Ittihad project, but he is reportedly tired of the late training sessions in Saudi Arabia and he is already thinking of life after retirement.

Benzema has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season, with Al-Ittihad currently top of the Saudi Arabian top flight.

Furthermore, Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic (12) is the only player with more Saudi Pro League goals than the Real Madrid legend since the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign.