Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is considering retiring this season and will become an ambassador for Real Madrid with a focus on the Middle East, according to a report.

The man who will win football’s most prestigious individual prize in 2022 has already agreed to represent his former club in an international role. Relief That said, the 36-year-old is likely to stop playing when his Al-Ittihad deal expires in 2026.

The outlet claimed that Benzema “has not made a final decision” on whether to hang up his boots at the end of this campaign and said he is “starting to get tired” of the training sessions with the Saudi Pro League club, which are being held. Jeddah in the afternoon due to high morning temperatures.

When we speak, we have to accept responsibility ☄️ #Alhamdulillah 🤲🏼🤍 pic.twitter.com/tBVu2qmiWz

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 6, 2024

Benzema in Saudi Arabia

After leaving Madrid a year before the end of his contract, Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract in 2023.

His first season with 13 goals and eight assists in 29 matches was a repeat of his prolific form as Al-Ittihad floundered in 2023/24, without a trophy and finishing fifth in the top flight, as well as relegating incumbent Nottingham. Forest Manager Nuno Espirito Santo in November.

Former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Pleas joined the nine-time champions in the same role he held at the Spanish giants in January and former PSG manager Laurent Blanc led them to the top of the table after replacing Argentine Marcelo Gallardo in July.

Despite missing three matches due to injury, Benzema has contributed 10 goals in 10 league games, including a 2-1 win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nasr in Al-Ittihad’s final match before the winter break.

Looking to the future together @Saudi2034bid 🇸🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/Z8ZsUDaFUr

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 8, 2024

Benzema Real Madrid Stats

A five-time Champions League winner during 14 years at Madrid, Benzema’s 354 goals for the club make him his second-highest scorer behind former team-mate Ronaldo, who hit 451.

He is said to be keen to return to Madrid and build on his “excellent relationship” with Florentino Perez, president of the reigning Spanish champions.

The 2022 World Cup runner-up with France has said in interviews that he sees himself as an ambassador for football in Saudi Arabia who could help attract more elite European footballers to the league.

The report said there is “no one better” than Benzema to “carry the Madrid name through Arabia and become a marketing attraction in a booming economic market”.

Al-Ittihad go into a King Cup quarter-final tie on January 7 (5.30pm GMT) with reigning Saudi champions Al-Hilal, who are two points below them in the Pro League.