Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has opened up about his plans for life after football. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner expressed a heartfelt desire to return to the club that shaped his iconic career. Benzema ended his remarkable 14-year stint at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2023, departing with a staggering 25 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles.
During his time in the Spanish capital, Benzema evolved from a promising young talent to one of the game’s most respected forwards, cementing his place among the all-time greats in Real Madrid history.
Currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, the 37-year-old striker continues to compete at a high level. Speaking on the Spanish show Los Amigos de Edu, hosted by journalist Edu Aguirre, the French striker shared his long-term vision of reuniting with Los Blancos in some capacity once he hangs up his boots.
“When I retire I want to be close to football,” Benzema revealed.
“I don’t know, this is something that seems more complicated to me than being a player,” Benzema said before adding, “What I want is to be close to [Real Madrid President] Florentino [Perez] when I retire. I was recently with him [Perez] in Madrid.”
“Florentino was the first person I called when I decided I was leaving. The truth is that he didn’t quite understand it, but I told him that youngsters like Vinicius and Rodrygo were already ready,” Benzema concluded.
Benzema stepped away from international football in 2022, bringing the curtain down on a career with France that spanned over a decade. His final appearance for Les Bleus came shortly before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Over the course of 97 international appearances, Benzema netted 37 goals for his country.
While Benzema didn’t specify what role he might take on, his comments signalled a strong emotional connection to Real. For many Madridistas, a Benzema return, even off the pitch, would be a welcome continuation of his legendary legacy.
