Franco-Algeria forward Karim Benzema sets retirement date

France international of Algerian descent Karim Zito is not planning to hand his boots at the moment, considering himself to be fit for competitive football.

The experienced forward departed the Spanish football powerhouse in 2023, joining Al-Ittihad as a free agent following expiration of his contract with the Los Blancos.

During his time at Real Madrid, Benzema established himself as a key member of the team, winning several trophies with the club.

He made 648 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 354 goals and providing 158 assists. In 2022, while at Real, Benzema won the first and only Ballon d’Or of his career.

Benzema has been impressive for Al Ittihad, scoring five goals in nine appearances for Al-Ittihad this season.

With 463 club goals and 37 international goals, he’s had an incredible career, including winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022

Now, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Benzema’s future is uncertain. But he’s not planning to hang up his boots just yet. The forward feels good and wants to keep playing for another two years.

Having begun his career at Olympique Lyonnais, he quickly earned a move to Real Madrid, where he would go on to win five UEFA Champions League titles. He joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer back in the summer of 2023, and his current deal with the Gulf State clubs expires at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, he has left the door open for a possible return to Real Madrid, with his contract expected to expire next year.

“Could I return to Real Madrid? If Florentino is still there, then it’s possible. I could never say no to Real or to Pérez.

I’m a Madridista. I feel it in my soul. Madrid is still my city. We’ll see what happens,” he said.

While Real Madrid hasn’t officially commented on a potential return, reports suggest the club is focused on its young, talented squad, led by Xabi Alonso. Benzema’s future remains uncertain, but one thing’s clear – he’s a legend at Real Madrid, and his return would electrify fans worldwide.