Benzema to Be Mbappé’s Neighbor in Madrid: Karim Misses the Bernabéu
Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema reportedly regrets leaving the club and is planning a return to Spain, according to ‘Relevo’.
As Real Madrid prepares to finally close the long-running ‘Mbappé saga’ and stands on the brink of winning another Champions League title, Karim Benzema finds himself in a very different situation. Currently playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Benzema is reportedly disillusioned with his experience there and is considering a move back to Spain.
Benzema left Real Madrid last year for Saudi Arabia, signing a lucrative contract until 2026 worth 200 million euros. However, according to ‘Relevo’, Benzema now seeks “clemency” from the regime of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, hoping to negotiate an early exit.
The French striker’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is not solely based on football, as he also serves as a prominent figure for the government, federation, and league. His departure would thus pose significant challenges for the country, although they might consider it if a substantial offer from European football emerges, which could be complicated given Benzema’s age of 36.
In the meantime, Benzema has recently acquired a new mansion in one of Madrid’s most exclusive suburbs, where he has even ordered the construction of an artificial beach. If he returns to Spain, Benzema could potentially be neighbors with Kylian Mbappé, who is close to finalizing his move to Real Madrid.