Hanging up the boots so soon? Karim Benzema is getting ready to retire.
The French striker is contemplating retirement at the end of the Saudi Pro season in May. The soon-to-be 37-year-old is set on returning to Los Blancos, but not in the form we all wish. Not everyone plays to 40 like Ronaldo.
Benzema and Real Madrid have agreed that the Ballon d’Or winner will return as an ambassador. There’s no doubt Benzema is an icon at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he spearheaded the team’s 14th Champions League title.
His 14-year campaign at Madrid included 354 strikes in 648 appearances. With 25 trophies, including five Champions League and four La Liga titles, he did more than enough to fill the void of Ronaldo’s absence.
No doubt hardcore Real Madrid fans would welcome his return to the pitch to fill that pure number nine role while Mbappe is still setting in. But a nostalgic return on the pitch could also upset the team’s future dynamics and strategies. The ambassador role, therefore, is more fitting.
Benzema to leave Saudi early?
Count Benzema as one of the players re-thinking his long-term contract in Saudi Arabia. He still has 18 months remaining on his contract.
“I’m not the same Benzema of Real Madrid because it’s not the same game, the same players,” he said last April. “I need help on the pitch, I need a lot of things. I can’t win games alone.”
It’s fair to say the Benz has returned to form since then. The striker has 10 ten goals in as many competitions this season. He’s not slowing down. So why make retirement plans now? Every footballer has their personal and professional reasons. Benzema said farewell to international duties years ago.
Many fans would like to see him in Lyon, where he started his professional career. Wherever he goes or does after retirement, his influence on the game remains undefeated.
