Real Madrid faced an unexpected dilemma this week as Karim Benzema contemplates the next chapter of his storied career. The French striker has begun weighing a possible exit from the club, with whispers growing that a move to Saudi Arabia could soon redefine his path in football. The uncertainty comes at a moment when Real Madrid, while not seeking to force a decision, is prepared to respect the choice Benzema makes about his future. The club has kept its stance clear: if the captain decides to depart, they will honor that decision without hesitation.
Benzema’s contract had reached its natural end this summer, but a clause tied to his Ballon d’Or triumph had previously granted him the option to extend for another year. He did not exercise that option, leaving the door open for a possible departure that had long been anticipated by those inside the squad. For the majority of the season, the sense among at least some in Madrid was that Benzema would see out the contract and continue with the club. Yet, in recent weeks, the tone has shifted. A growing sense of inevitability around his potential exit has emerged as new discussions and opportunities have taken shape.
New reports from reliable outlets indicate that Saudi Arabia has tabled an extremely lucrative offer for Benzema, one that would see him earn a reported sum close to 100 million euros per season over a two-year period, amounting to roughly 200 million euros in total. If this deal moves forward, it would mark another high-profile addition to the project being pursued by the Saudi government, which has made clear its ambition to position the country as a leading hub for world football and a central player in the 2030 World Cup candidacy. The scale of the proposal underscores the serious intent behind the talks and the willingness to make bold moves to secure the talent and star power needed to drive their sporting and global ambitions forward.
The overarching plan in Saudi circles is ambitious and multi-faceted. Beyond attracting established stars, the objective is to assemble a dream team of marquee players who can act as ambassadors for the 2030 World Cup bid. Cristiano Ronaldo is already part of the ecosystem there, and discussions have intensified around bringing Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema into the fold as part of a strategic push to elevate Saudi football on the global stage. In discussions cited by El Mundo and other outlets, officials have reportedly presented generous terms to entice these players, including flexibility over where they live, which team they join, and where they reside, all designed to remove any personal or logistical barriers that might prevent a move. The breadth of these offers reflects a calculated effort to leverage star power to advance a national project that goes far beyond a single season or a single club. Goal has tracked these developments and notes the seriousness of the approach. Attribution to Goal for the reported figures and statements.