‘You never know what might happen’ – Karim Benzema doesn’t rule out a return to Lyon | OneFootball

In an interview with L’Équipe, Karim Benzema (37) was asked about the possibility of him returning to Olympique Lyonnais at the end of his contract with Al-Ittihad. The France international forward’s current contract with the Saudi Pro League club is set to expire at the end of the season, and with no contract currently agreed, he looks set to leave on a free transfer. 

The former Real Madrid striker was born in Lyon and is the most-decorated graduate from the club’s famed academy. During his time with the Ligue 1 club, the Frenchman scored 66 goals and registered 25 assists in 148 games for his boyhood club. He also won 4 Ligue 1 titles, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions twice while playing for Les Gones. 

Benzema to return to OL?

Given his ties to the city and his affection for Lyon, many have suspected that the 37-year-old would eventually return to his hometown club. The forward returned to the Groupama Stadium in 2022 after he was crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or. Nevertheless, the Frenchman has never confirmed his intentions to play for OL again. 

Asked about the potential of him returning to the Rhône club, the Al-Ittihad striker said, “It’s tricky to say, ‘I want to go back there,’ because I left such a great impression. You never know what might happen. It’s not a fear of returning. It’s just that sometimes, it’s better to leave things as they are.” The Frenchman added, “Helping the club, in another capacity perhaps… but playing, I don’t know.”

GFFN | Liam Wraith