Welcome back Karim Benzema! Ex-Real Madrid striker links up with former Los Blancos team-mates in Saudi Arabia before posing with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham ahead of Spanish Super Cup semi-final

Benzema visited the Real Madrid squad in Jeddah ahead of Los Blancos' Super Cup semi-final clash against Mallorca at the King Abdullah Sports City. The Al-Ittihad striker visited Real Madrid's hotel, where he greeted Ancelotti and the players as they look to set up a date against bitter rivals Barcelona, who defeated Athletic Club, on Sunday in the final.

Benzema is the second-highest goal-scorer in Real Madrid's star-studded history with 354 goals and 165 assists in 648 matches in all competitions. The Frenchman won five Champions League titles, four La Liga titles and one Ballon d'Or in 2022 with Real Madrid.

Benzema has been linked with a potential retirement after the end of the current season with Al-Ittihad and it has been reported that Real Madrid are considering offering Benzema an ambassadorial role for the club in the Middle East and Africa owing to his popularity in the region. However, it is expected that Benzema may continue on at Al-Ittihad at least until the end of his contract in 2026.

Los Blancos will face off against Mallorca at King Abdullah Sports City later today and a win would see them set up the second El Clasico of the season as Real Madrid will be keen on avenging their 4-0 loss to the Catalan side earlier in the season.