Benzema's Former Agent Reveals Lyon Return Was Seriously Considered

Karim Benzema did seriously consider a return to Olympique Lyonnais, according to his former agent Karim Djaziri. The information, revealed on the Riolo Club show, reignites speculation around the future of the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, currently without a club.

After leaving Al Hilal following six months deemed convincing, Benzema found himself at the heart of summer transfer rumours. Not retained by his Saudi club, which was seeking to recruit other strikers, the former French international remained nonetheless tied to Saudi Arabia until 2030 via an ambassador contract whose exact terms are not made public.

It is this contractual link that blocked any outcome this summer, Djaziri explains. “This summer, no, because he has a contract that ties him to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He thought about it for a long time, returning to Lyon. It’s his city, his team, his club,” the former agent declared. He also highlighted the singularity of Benzema’s career path: “Unlike many players, Karim has only known two clubs, it’s very rare today to have such a linear career.”

Formed at Lyon, Benzema left the club in 2009 to join Real Madrid, where he spent most of his career before winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022. His departure to Al Ittihad in 2023, then his spell at Al Hilal, had already fuelled hopes of a return to his academy club.

At this stage, no concrete leads have been made official. Benzema remains without a club, and the question of his future remains open.