Karim Benzema, former Real Madrid captain and current Al-Ittihad striker, recently reunited with his old teammates during the Supercopa de España in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The French legend shared emotional moments with stars like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé and hinted at a potential future back in Madrid. His visit has sparked excitement among fans and reignited debates about his enduring legacy.
Benzema’s advice to Vinicius Junior: “You’ll win the Ballon d’Or.”
During his visit, Benzema took a moment to offer personal advice to Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid’s electrifying winger who has been in stellar form this season with eight goals in 15 La Liga matches. Speaking to Marca, Benzema praised the Brazilian for his talent and work ethic.
“I told him not to listen to the noise around him, to keep his focus, and to maintain his intensity,” Benzema said. “Vinicius is the best player in the world right now, and I have no doubt he will win the Ballon d’Or in the future.”
These remarks underline the respect Benzema has for his former teammate, who continues to rise as one of the most promising players in global football. For Vinicius, the words of encouragement from a Madrid legend carry significant weight as he works to lead the team to further success.
A heartfelt exchange with Kylian Mbappé
The reunion also saw Benzema connecting with Kylian Mbappé, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar and fellow Frenchman. The two shared warm words, and Benzema took the opportunity to commend Mbappé’s brilliance on the pitch.
“Watching Mbappé play is pure joy,” Benzema said. “He has incredible technical precision, explosive speed, and the ability to make a difference in any game. His contributions will continue to bring joy to fans worldwide.”
The interaction between the two adds to the ongoing speculation about Mbappé’s future and his potential role at
Real Madrid in the years to come. Fans couldn’t help but imagine the possibility of seeing both players donning the famous white jersey together.
Retirement rumors dismissed: “I feel great, no plans to stop.”
Addressing recent speculation about his retirement, Benzema firmly shut down any rumors. In an interview with Marca, the 37-year-old made it clear that he still feels physically and mentally prepared to continue playing at the highest level.
“Retiring at the end of the season? No, no. That’s nonsense,” Benzema stated. “I feel great, thank God. My body is responding well, and I’ll take it year by year.”
However, what grabbed headlines was his openness to a return to Real Madrid. While Benzema is under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026, his comments hinted at a potential reunion with Los Blancos, either as a player or in another capacity.
“A return to Real Madrid in the future? Yes, of course, why not?” he said. “Right now, I’m happy in Jeddah, but in the future, I’ll certainly be close to Madrid.”
These words have reignited hope among Madrid fans, who still consider Benzema one of the club’s greatest players of all time.
Benzema’s role in elevating Saudi football
Since joining Al-Ittihad, Benzema has had a transformative impact on the Saudi Pro League. His arrival has brought international attention to the league, and his leadership on the pitch has propelled Al-Ittihad to the top of the table. The team remains unbeaten since late September, with Benzema playing a pivotal role in their success.
Under the guidance of coach Laurent Blanc, Al-Ittihad is pushing for league dominance, and Benzema’s presence has been key to their ambitions. The French striker has also become a central figure in Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to establish the league as a global football powerhouse.
Despite his current focus on Al-Ittihad, Benzema’s visit to the Real Madrid camp served as a poignant reminder of the deep connection he shares with the Spanish club. Fans were left wondering: could the legendary striker make one last iconic return to the Bern abéu?
A legacy that continues to inspire Madridistas
Karim Benzema’s visit to the Real Madrid squad in Jeddah was more than just a nostalgic reunion. It highlighted the profound bond he shares with the club and its players, a connection forged over 14 glorious years in the Spanish capital. During his tenure at Madrid, Benzema won countless trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles, and solidified his place as one of the greatest forwards of his generation.
His potential return, whether as a player, a coach, or an ambassador, remains a dream for fans who remember his heroics on the pitch. For now, Benzema is focused on leading Al-Ittihad to success in the Saudi Pro League. But as he himself said, “We’ll see what the future holds.”
One thing is certain: Karim Benzema’s story is far from over, and the football world will be watching to see where his journey takes him next.
