Lyon don pour cold water on hopes say Karim Benzema go return to the French club, with Goal.com reporting say the Ligue 1 side give one decisive response during negotiations over the former Real Madrid striker. The update mean the 38-year-old, wey just leave Al Hilal, go need to look somewhere else as e search for him next club.
The talk come after Benzema agree to terminate him contract with Al Hilal by mutual consent, just six months after he join the Saudi club from Al Ittihad in January 2026. During him short spell, the striker make 16 appearances, score 10 goals and provide five assists. But e no feature in the recent 5-1 win over Al Khaleej, where Kader Meïté lead the line instead.
According to beIN Sports, the problem no be goals but him place in the new project. Coach Simone Inzaghi stop counting on the veteran, while the arrivals of attacking players like Gabriel Martinelli and Ollie Watkins further cut down him chances of regular football.
With him future open, one possible destination na return to Al Ittihad, where he play from 2023 until him move to Al Hilal. Fabrizio Romano also report say the Frenchman dey expected to announce decision on him future soon.
Benzema, wey win the Ballon d'Or in 2022, still dey among the names wey football followers dey argue about. UEFA release list of Champions League all-time appearances wey include Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller and Benzema.
Off the pitch, the striker also enter one debate over him place among the greatest forwards. During one challenge at the Esports World Cup, dem ask am to rank himself among the best attackers ever, and e place himself on the podium behind him childhood idol Ronaldo Nazario. The choice spark argument on L’Equipe television channel, where journalist Yoann Riou disagree, saying Benzema no dey among the top 20 strikers of all time and e fit no even enter the top 30.
Benzema respond under the video wey L’Equipe post: “Hahaha, man, it’s late, go to sleep, wake up early tomorrow.”
