Benzema opens door to possible Real Madrid return
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Karim Benzema’s next move, with the French striker acknowledging that his time at Al Ittihad could be approaching a crossroads. His latest remarks have renewed discussion about where he might play next, and whether a reunion with Real Madrid is truly on the table.
According to reporting from Diario AS, Benzema offered rare insight into how he views the final stretch of his current contract and the emotional pull that still connects him to Spain.
Contract questions
Benzema, whose deal with Al Ittihad runs until June 2026, said the decision on whether he remains in Saudi Arabia is far from settled. “It depends on many factors… let’s see what happens,” he told Diario AS. The forward added, “I don’t know if I’ll leave Al Ittihad or stay,” underscoring how open the scenario remains.
His comments follow months of speculation about his adaptation to the Saudi Pro League and whether a change could come sooner than anticipated.
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Madrid ties
Asked about the prospect of returning to Real Madrid, Benzema suggested the door has never fully closed. “Possible Real Madrid return? If Florentino is still there, it could happen. I could never say no to Pérez,” he said, referring to long-time club president Florentino Pérez.
He went on to explain that the bond with both the club and the city remains deeply personal: “I’m a Madridista. I feel it in my soul. Madrid is still my city. We’ll see what happens.”
Emotional pull
The comments, reported by Diario AS, highlight how strongly Benzema continues to identify with the institution where he spent more than a decade and became its second-highest scorer.
His remarks also come at a moment when Real Madrid continue to evolve under new attacking options, leaving open the question of whether a return would be practical, sentimental or both.
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For now, Benzema shows no eagerness to commit to a firm timeline. Instead, he signaled that the coming months will determine whether a fresh chapter awaits him in Europe or whether he remains in Saudi Arabia to complete his contract.
With his words reigniting speculation, attention will likely remain on both Madrid and Jeddah as the story develops.
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