Au Revoir but Never Goodbye: Karim Benzema's Final Bow
The final whistle may finally be blowing. The legend who danced through defenses and shattered records now stands still. Karim Benzema, the king of Madrid and now the pride of Saudi Arabia, may be walking away from the game he mastered. As whispers of his 2025 retirement spread, one question remains: is this the end of Benzema's journey?
Karim Benzema's journey began in Lyon France, where his extraordinary talent quickly caught the eyes of many. A move to Real Madrid in 2009 for 35 million marked the beginning of a new era, but it wasn’t without challenges. Early on, Benzema had to fight for his place, often playing in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet, year after year, he grew and established his place in Real Madrid's attack. Across 14 seasons with Real Madrid, Benzema’s numbers climbed: 648 appearances and 354 goals, making him the club’s second all-time top scorer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo with 450. More than just statistics, his playmaking, intelligence, and leadership made him an irreplaceable figure during Real Madrid's golden years. Benzema’s legacy is not only defined by goals but by the silverware he helped bring to the club. His honors include: five UEFA Champions League titles, five FIFA Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, four Spanish Super Cups, and one UEFA Nations League title with France.
In the 2021-2022 season, Karim Benzema reached footballing immortality. At 34 years old, he delivered the finest season of his career, leading Real Madrid to both La Liga and their 14th UEFA Champions League title. Benzema was unstoppable, scoring 44 goals in 46 matches, with heroic hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea, and delivering clutch performances when it mattered most. His dominance was rewarded when he claimed the 2022 Ballon d’Or. The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by France Football, is the most prestigious individual award in football. It recognizes the best player in the world based on their performances over the calendar year, making it the ultimate symbol of excellence.
After leaving Real Madrid in 2023, Benzema’s story continued in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad. Despite playing in unfamiliar territory, the French striker has thrived, scoring 10 goals in 11 appearances this season. However, his future remains uncertain. Benzema himself has stated that he is contemplating early retirement by 2025, potentially cutting short his contract and leaving the football world to wonder. His long-term plans, however, are already linked to his former club Real Madrid, where he is expected to return, not as a player, but as a club ambassador.
If 2025 marks the final curtain for Karim Benzema, his legacy is undeniable. A player who transformed from a young, raw talent into a seasoned leader, a prolific goalscorer, and ultimately a Ballon d’Or winner. Yet, as he contemplates retirement, Benzema’s anticipated return to Real Madrid in a new role ensures his bond with the club and the football world will remain strong. For now, the world awaits the Frenchman’s decision, knowing that legends never truly fade; they simply find new ways to shine. Au revoir Benzema, but never goodbye.
