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According to Spanish media outlet Relevo (via Madrid Xtra on X), former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is considering hanging up his boots next summer. The 36-year-old currently plays for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.
Benzema, 36, moved to the Middle East last summer on a free following the expiration of his contract with Los Blancos. The 2023 Ballon d'Or winner spent 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu from 2009 to 2023.
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According to the abovementioned report, Benzema is now considering retirement. His contract with Al-Ittihad does not expire until June 2026. The report adds that the Frenchman is looking to return to his former club and has agreed to an ambassadorial role at Real Madrid after retirement.
Benzema is regarded as one of Los Blancos' greatest-ever players. He joined the Spanish giants in 2009 from Olympique Lyon and registered 354 goals and 165 assists in 648 games.
The forward is second on the club's all-time scorers list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (450), third for most assists and fifth on the all-time appearance chart.
Additionally, the former France international is one of Madrid's most decorated players with 25 major trophies including four league titles, five Champions League and three Copas del Rey.
Madrid have been known to hand former players ambassadorial roles at the club, with players like Raul Gonzalez, Roberto Carlos, and Alvaro Arbeloa taking up a similar role after retirement.
Benzema has been in fine form for Al-Ittihad this season, with 10 goals and three assists in 11 games across competitions. His club are leading the Saudi Pro League standings with 36 points after 13 matches.
Karim Benzema's best season at Real Madrid
Karim Benzema enjoyed a spectacular 2021-22 season with Real Madrid which was arguably his best campaign ever with the Spanish giants. He registered an impressive 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games across competitions.
The 36-year-old emerged as top scorer in both LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League as Los Blancos clinched both tournaments.
Some of his most notable performances that season include scoring consecutive hat-tricks against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the Champions League Round of 16 and quarter-finals respectively. Benzema also scored a brace against Manchester City in the semi-final.
The Frenchman's outstanding display saw him win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, becoming the fifth French player to clinch the prestigious award.
