Benzema Teases a New Chapter at Al-Ittihad Beyond This Season
17 November 2025
Future Uncertain: Could Benzema Extend His Run with Al-Ittihad?
The French star Karim Benzema, a central figure for Al-Ittihad, signaled he could remain with the club beyond this season.
His contract with Al-Ittihad runs until the end of the current campaign; he arrived from Real Madrid in 2023 after a golden spell at the Spanish club, where he claimed every major trophy including the Ballon d'Or. He spoke with AS about his plans, whether with Al-Ittihad or in football more broadly.
Asked about his future at the end of his deal, the veteran said: "I still cannot decide about staying or leaving; it depends on many factors. I will turn 38 in January, and I see myself playing football for two more years."
"Physically I am fine, I work hard and I perform well," he added.
He continued: "I love football and I enjoy it; we will see what happens in the future, and what the club thinks. The best thing for me is to stay here, but not just to stay one or two more years."
After three years in Jeddah, Benzema noted that the level of football in the Saudi league is steadily improving.
European Interest and a Storied Career
He also revealed he has offers from Europe, though he must study every option and choose his path carefully.
"I have to feel comfortable; I feel comfortable here and loved by everyone, but we’ll see. They ask me for things and I give them things, and everything is reciprocal. But I’m sure I won’t retire or stop playing within six months."
Earlier, global reports linked Benzema with a return to Europe, with Benfica among the leading possibilities, especially with Jose Mourinho at the helm, and there was also interest from Fenerbahçe in Turkey. The midfielder did not publicly react to these rumors before addressing several aspects of his journey with the club.
Numerically, Benzema’s time with Al-Ittihad has been notable: he has scored 43 goals and contributed 17 assists in 71 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he helped the team win the Saudi Pro League and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, after a difficult first season without trophies.
At the start of this season, the team faced instability, with the French coach Laurent Blanc replaced by Portuguese Sergio Conceição, who has yet to guide the team to a league win. Despite the upheaval, Benzema’s value remains undiminished; he has helped the attack while also serving as a veteran voice in the dressing room.
Beyond goals, Benzema has become a key figure in building the team’s identity: he drops deeper to receive the ball, links plays, and creates chances. Although his goal rate declined from late European seasons, his influence on space creation and defender drawing remains significant.
He faced physical challenges, injuries, and shifting coaching staff, yet his leadership and experience continue to be a major asset for Al-Ittihad. Whether he stays or leaves, his impact on and off the pitch persists as a central part of the club’s ambitions.
Punchline time: If Benzema signs a two-year extension, the defense will need a new playbook—one that actually understands how to stop a living legend who doubles as a classroom for younger players.
Punchline 2: With Benzema around, even the coffee in the locker room probably tastes like victory—sip, smile, and tell the defense to try catching up next season.
