Real Madrid icon Karim Benzema considers retirement after terminating Al Hilal contract | OneFootball

In the last few years, a number of Real Madrid icons have announced their retirement, such as Toni Kroos and Sergio Ramos. There will be more to follow soon, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema in the twilight stages of their respective careers.

In Benzema’s case, he is still younger than former teammates Ronaldo (41) and Modric (40) at 38, but he could end up retiring before both. Since moving from Real Madrid to Saudi Arabia two years ago, he has struggled to shake off the injury issues that plagued his final 12 months at the Bernabeu, and that has also affected his form.

Benzema, who moved from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal in February, has only managed 13 appearances for the Saudi Pro League giants, in which he has scored 10 times. However, the recent signing of Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa has lowered his status in Riyadh, and this has prompted him to terminate his contract with immediate effect, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Benzema has two options for next move

Benzema, who has continued to keep up with Real Madrid since leaving in 2024, must now make a decision on his next move. He will either join a third Saudi Arabian club to extend his career, or he will announce his retirement with immediate effect – there will no consideration of a return to Europe for the veteran Frenchman.

Benzema is likely to take some time before coming to a decision on his next move, although he is unlikely to be short on offers from clubs in the Middle East. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has the luxury of making this key decision in his own time, although if he does decide to continue playing for another season, he will surely look to secure his next side as soon as possible.