Revealed: Karim Benzema could retire at the end of the season at Al-Ittihad as ex-club Real Madrid line up role for Ballon d'Or-winning former striker

Benzema struggled in his first season in the Saudi Pro League under Nuno Espirito Santo after leaving Real Madrid, however, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner has found his feet this season as Al-Ittihad lead the league standings over Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah. With the Frenchman's contract up in 2026, Benzema has been thinking about what the future holds for him.

Relevo has now reported that Benzema may be considering retirement from the sport altogether at the end of the current season instead of waiting for the summer of 2026 before deciding on his future. As per the report, Al-Ittihad expect Benzema to fulfil his contract but the club wouldn't mind if the French striker left in 2025 because his close to €100 million (£82.9m/$104.9m) salary would relieve them of a substantial financial burden.

As per the report by Relevo, Benzema's former club Real Madrid have lined up an ambassadorial role for the club in the Middle East, thanks to all the relations the striker has built up over the years in the region.

While the Frenchman is yet to actually decide whether to retire or not at the end of the current season, Benzema may make the decision to quit on a high if Al-Ittihad do cruise to the Saudi Pro League.