Benzema Tired of Saudi Arabia: Contract Termination Imminent and Future Shrouded in Mystery

Karim Benzema could soon leave Al-Hilal and, perhaps, even hang up his cleats. The team coached by Simone Inzaghi is pushing him to leave after spending over 200 million euros on new signings. In fact, there would no longer be a place for the former Real Madrid player.

The Frenchman and Al Hilal are reportedly close to reaching an agreement to terminate his contract, which runs through June 30. And then? At the moment, the 38-year-old striker’s future remains a mystery. In principle, the former Real Madrid player has a contract with the Saudi league through 2030, which fuels speculation about a possible move to Al Shabab or a sensational return to Al Ittihad, his former team.

What is certain is that he will not return to Europe, not even to Lyon, the team where he began his prestigious and glorious career. A possible move to MLS, however, cannot be ruled out.

Keep an eye out for a possible retirement. To date, he has played 895 games, scored 484 goals, and provided 205 assists with Olympique Lyonnais (2004–09), Real Madrid (2009–23), Al Ittihad (2023–26), and Al Hilal (2026). He also has 97 appearances and 37 goals for the French national team.