Karim Benzema considering shocking retirement

Real Madrid great Karim Benzema is reportedly considering retiring from football at the end of the season.

Benzema, 36, who currently play for Al-Ittihad, had a huge success with Los Blancos during his 14-year spell from 2009 to 2023.

After a difficult campaign in the Middle East last season, he returned to form this term, scoring 10 goals in 10 games under Laurent Blanc.

He is just two goals behind top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic and level with Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to Relevo, Benzema has begun to consider his options for the future and could end his playing career.

Benzema currently bag a whopping £86million a year in Middle east with his contract ending at 2026. The club expect him to honour it.

However, the Saudi side would not be unhappy if he was to hand up his boots as it would free them from a huge financial commitment.

The outlet also reports that Benzema has a future career in mind already, with Real Madrid keen to recruit him as a club ambassador as they appreciate his links to the Middle East.

The Spanish giant see his market in Middle East as an attraction.

The Frenchman scored 354 goals in 648 appearances in the 15-time Champions League winner, bagging 25 trophies along the way.

He also won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2022 on the back of a season where he scored 44 goals in 46 games.