Benzema considering retirement in 2025; has a pact to return to Real Madrid as ambassador | OneFootball

In a major development, journalists Sergio Gomez and Alfredo Matilla report that Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema is seriously considering retiring from the game of football in 2025, at the end of the current season.

One of the greatest-ever forwards to have played for Los Blancos, Benzema, who currently plies his trade for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, could very well be playing his final season in professional football.

Benzema serious about retirement

Although Benzema has not yet made a final decision, he is showing signs that suggest he is seriously considering this option.

With his trophy-laden career and after a season and a half at Al-Ittihad, he is starting to grow weary of the daily routines. In addition, the Frenchman has experienced some mental fatigue after a tough start at the club.

After overcoming that turbulent first year, during which he faced waves of criticism, Benzema is back on track at Al-Ittihad.

The striker is fully fit, committed to the project and focused. He is the top scorer of the team with ten goals in 11 matches, and second-highest in the league, tied with Cristiano Ronaldo and only behind Aleksandar Mitrovic (12).

Benzema to retire in 2025? (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, his good form does not prevent him from looking ahead. In recent weeks, Benzema has begun to contemplate his definitive exit from football, a topic also being discussed internally at Al-Ittihad.

Return to Madrid on the cards

Although Al-Ittihad believe that it is most likely Benzema will retire in 2026, when his contract expires, there is also an understanding that a retirement as soon as next year would not be entirely unwelcome.

Benzema could remain involved with the club and the league, albeit in a reduced role, appearing occasionally as an ambassador for a short period.

However, Benzema’s long-term plans are tied to Real Madrid. As per the report, the striker, who is second on the list of Los Blancos’ all-time top scorers, has already agreed with the club to return as an ambassador for the Arab region.

The primary reason behind this lies in his excellent relationship with Florentino Perez. His departure from the Bernabeu, one year earlier than the president had expected, did not affect their bond, which goes beyond football.

Furthermore, for Real Madrid, the iconic forward’s inclusion in ambassadorial duties will be considered a strategic signing.

No one is better suited to represent the club in Arabia and serve as a leading figure in a rapidly growing market that the club’s commercial and sponsorship department has its sights set on.

Thus, while the French striker enjoys his final moments on the field, his future path is already partially mapped out. First in Saudi Arabia, then at Real Madrid.