The recent confusion surrounding Karim Benzema’s situation in Saudi Arabia appears to have reached a temporary resolution. On Monday, February 5, his club Al-Ittihad shared photos of the 2022 Ballon d’or winner resuming training following a prolonged absence. Benzema mysteriously vanished from public view at the end of December, missing training sessions and subsequently being excluded from a championship match and the training camp by coach Marcelo Gallardo.
After spending his vacation in Mauritius, Benzema was late in returning to Saudi Arabia, citing Cyclone Belal as the cause of his delay.
Rumours then arose that Benzema, who had left Real Madrid just six months prior, was considering a return to Europe. With a successful history at Real Madrid, including five Champions League wins (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022), Benzema was linked with potential moves to Chelsea or Olympique Lyonnais, his training club. However, the former French international, with 97 caps and 37 goals to his name, will ultimately continue his career with Al-Ittihad.
At 36 years old, it is expected that Benzema will return to the game very soon. His current team, Al-Ittihad, which also includes N’Golo Kanté, currently sits in 7th place in the local championship after 19 matches (out of a total of 34). They trail the leaders, Al-Hilal, by 15 points.
