Karim Benzema to Benfica? Jose Mourinho addresses reports of sensational reunion with ex-Real Madrid star amid Al-Ittihad exit talks

Since leaving Real Madrid in 2023, Benzema has been prolific at Al-Ittihad, registering 41 goals in 64 matches. His start to the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season was particularly impressive, scoring a hat-trick against Al-Okhdood. Although sidelined by a muscle injury, Al-Ittihad boss Laurent Blanc confirmed that Benzema has returned to training and is expected to face Al-Nassr. Blanc highlighted the striker’s importance, stating both player and club share a strong desire for his return. Benzema’s consistency and leadership continue to make him an indispensable figure in the Saudi top flight. He has been liked to joining Benfica for a reunion with his ex-boss, but those speculations have been put to rest for now.

Mourinho, speaking at a press conference following his appointment at Benfica, sought to clarify reports suggesting Benzema could return to European football. 

"It was the first time I heard his name and the hypothetical possibility. We played a friendly against his team, we talked a bit. The last thing on his horizon is a return to European football and, in this case, to a team like ours,” Mourinho said. "He'll stay there; he's been happy and won titles, and he's in an enviable financial situation. When you leave top-level European football, at this age, for Saudi Arabia, I don't think the goal is to return. If you talk to me about younger kids who go and after two or three years are at an age to return to European football, yes. But players like Karim, no."

The Portuguese manager previously oversaw Benzema’s development at Bernabeu from 2010 to 2013, transforming him into a clinical striker. Under Mourinho, the Frenchman scored 78 goals in 150 appearances, also winning La Liga and a Copa del Rey. The shared history sparked speculation of a Benfica reunion, particularly with Mourinho’s recent arrival in Lisbon. However, Mourinho firmly downplayed the idea, “This story, although I haven’t asked anyone internally… I would almost venture to say there’s no possibility, nor do I quite understand how Karim's name got to this point.”

Mourinho has already impressed at Benfica, securing a win and a draw in his opening matches, instilling structure and discipline in the squad. With European nights and domestic fixtures demanding focus, the club’s priority is performance, not speculative transfers. Mourinho will also be challenged by his former team Chelsea, giving him a real test in a Champions League game on September 30. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad will look to Benzema’s continued fitness to challenge rivals like Al-Nassr, ensuring the striker remains central to their ambitions in the Saudi Pro League. For Benfica, any potential reunion with Benzema is, for now, firmly off the agenda.