Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has given an hint on his retirement as the Frenchman continues his adventure in the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema enjoyed a fabulous 15 seasons at Real Madrid, scoring 354 goals before exploring a new adventure in Saudi Arabia. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more for Los Blancos.
He has been playing in the Saudi Pro League for the last few seasons with Al-Ittihad and has already scored 43 times in 71 games. The serial winner added two trophies to his collection during the 2024-25 season, winning the Saudi League title and the King’s Cup.
Now 37 years old, Benzema while speaking in an interview with AS revealed his timeline on when he could hang up his boots.
When asked about how long he sees himself playing for, the Frenchman revealed that in December he turns 38, and after that, he sees himself playing till he’s 40, so two more years.
Karim Benzema during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Al-Ittihad and Fenerbahce. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
“I’ll turn 38 in December. I see myself playing two more years. Physically I’m good, I work a lot and I have football in me. I love the game; I enjoy it.”
Regarding where he will be playing for those two more years, Benzema is unsure.
“For now I feel very good here – the players, the fans, the coach, everyone shows me a lot of affection,” Benzema says. “I watch Real Madrid games; I watch the Champions League and I imagine. The Champions League is magical. My contract here is close to ending, that’s true. I still can’t say whether I’ll stay or leave – it.
Despite getting the love he desires in Saudi Arabia, after the season, he will discuss with the hierarchy, but heading back to Europe could be a possibility.
“I think the level of the league gets better every year. I’ve been here for three years and it keeps rising. It’s true that I have options in Europe. I have to look at everything, choose well and see where I feel good, without forgetting that I feel good here and receive a lot of love. But we’ll see. They ask things of me and I give things to them. It’s fifty-fifty, but there are possibilities. I’m not going to walk away from football or stop competing in six months.”
