Benzema’s Hidden Homecoming: Will a Lyon Comeback Write the Final Chapter?
19 November 2025
Speculation surrounding Karim Benzema's future at Al-Ittihad has intensified, as the French striker weighs his options after a spell with the Saudi club.
In a recent interview with AS, he spoke about his plans but avoided committing to life at Al-Ittihad beyond the current season, which would see his contract expire.
That ambiguity has reignited talk about where he might land next, with Foot Mercato posing the question of a possible return to Lyon, the club where his rise began.
What if the dream came true? the magazine teased, citing speculation about a late shock homecoming.
With his contract due in June, Benzema could depart the Saudi league, and European doors should not be ruled out.
Foot Mercato added that European clubs have already shown interest, leaving room for anything to happen in the future.
Could the last lap of a legendary career be with the club where Lyon first made him a star? The outlet even pictured Benzema in Lyon's kit.
The piece recalls his roots, explaining that Benzema rose through Lyon's youth ranks and broke into the first team in 2004 before his 2009 move to Real Madrid, where history would be written in numbers and trophies.
New Chapter
Since the end of his Madrid chapter in the summer of 2023, Benzema chose a fresh challenge in the Saudi-Pro League, starring for Al-Ittihad and delivering moments of class.
In his first season, circumstances were not ideal for him to show peak form, as the team struggled, changes were made, and injuries kept him out of several matches.
Last season he sparked a late surge, helping the club to a historic double in the Saudi league and the King’s Cup.
He also fought hard for the league’s top scorer prize, though the award went to his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
With five Champions League trophies behind him, Benzema had appeared 71 times for Al-Ittihad, tallying 43 goals and 17 assists.
As he inches toward the 500-appearance mark in his career, his Lyon numbers stand at 148 games and 66 goals with 25 assists.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, remains the golden period of his career: 648 appearances, 354 goals and 155 assists.
Return to Europe
The Frenchman spoke about a potential return to Madrid, telling AS that Real Madrid is his team and will always be so; he still watches every match and believes it is the best club in the world.
He added that he is impressed by the current Real Madrid squad, believing they have huge potential and could deliver even better performances than they do presently.
He said that Madrid is often criticized, but that is normal for the world’s most acclaimed side; if they draw or lose, it becomes a crisis in some eyes.
On a possible return, he said, if Florentino Pérez is still around, it could happen; he keeps in touch and says, I’m a Madridista, Madrid remains my city, we’ll see what happens.
About Vinícius Júnior, he praised the young Brazilian as exceptional, noting the pressures on him and that some players cannot bear that burden, but he has already played many games for Real Madrid.
He emphasized that Vinícius has done a lot and deserves more recognition.
Asked whether Vinícius could win Ballon d’Or someday, he replied that it could happen, though it would be tough.
He ended by saying that happens when he realizes he is on the pitch to play and nothing else matters; the talent is there, and the moment is right.
He commented on Vinícius's reaction after being substituted in the Clasico, calling it part of his character—normal, but not ideal in that moment.
He urged people to understand Vinícius's nature, noting his gestures on and off the pitch do not define him.
Asked again whether Vinícius can win Ballon d’Or, he said it could happen with hard work.
He closed by saying that it happens when he realizes he is on the pitch to play and nothing else matters.
Punchline: If Lyon ever call, expect a cameo of nostalgia interrupted by a trophy chase—because history loves a good remix.
Punchline: And if Benzema does return to Europe, imagine the press conference: “Bonjour, je suis prêt pour une autre légende; oui, the croissants are strong, et les titres aussi.”
