Karim Benzema weighs retirement after turning down Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad, says Waleed Al-Farraj

Karim Benzema is considering retirement after rejecting potential moves to Al-Shabab and former club Al-Ittihad, according to Saudi television presenter Waleed Al-Farraj.

The France striker’s future has come under renewed scrutiny as his expected departure from Al-Hilal draws closer. Al-Farraj said Benzema had been offered several ways to remain involved in Saudi football, including transfers to other clubs, but that the final decision had been left to the player.

Speaking on his programme Rotana Sport with Waleed, Al-Farraj claimed Benzema had declined both Al-Shabab and a return to Al-Ittihad. He said the 37-year-old had instead indicated that he was leaning towards ending his playing career.

“Benzema was given several options, including moving to Al-Shabab or returning to Al-Ittihad, but he rejected both options. When the decision became his, he indicated that he was leaning towards retiring from football,” said Al-Farraj.

If Benzema does retire, it would bring an end to the career of one of the leading forwards of his generation. However, Al-Farraj’s comments do not represent an official announcement from the player, and Benzema has yet to confirm his plans.

Saudi ambassadorial roles

Al-Farraj suggested Benzema’s possible decision to retire could be linked to his continuing professional commitments in Saudi Arabia beyond football.

The former Real Madrid forward has an important contract as an ambassador for Saudi tourism, while he is also involved in promoting Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Al-Farraj said those responsibilities could allow Benzema to maintain his connection with the country even if he stops playing.

“Benzema has a main contract that is not only related to playing football, but is also connected to his work as an ambassador for Saudi tourism and ambassador for the Kingdom’s 2034 World Cup bid. Therefore, retirement may be an option for him to maintain these roles,” he said.

Al-Farraj also claimed that Al-Hilal had reached an agreement with Benzema over the payment of money owed to him.

“Al-Hilal reached a good agreement with Benzema over receiving his dues, and Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal will take responsibility for this money,” he added.

The reports come after Al-Hilal signed England striker Ollie Watkins, a move that appears to signal a reshaping of the club’s attacking options. That arrival has increased speculation about Benzema’s next destination and whether he will continue in the Saudi Pro League.

Benzema joined Saudi football when he moved to Al-Ittihad in 2023, following a highly successful spell at Real Madrid. He later transferred to Al-Hilal, where his time in the country has brought major achievements as well as considerable debate.

His next decision could therefore represent a defining moment. A move to another Saudi club would extend his playing career in the country, while retirement would close a journey that included major honours with Real Madrid and prominent appearances at the highest level of European football.

For now, the claims remain based on Al-Farraj’s account of discussions surrounding the striker. Benzema’s official position has not been announced, leaving open the possibility that he could either continue playing or bring his career to an end while retaining his ambassadorial roles in Saudi Arabia.