Karim Benzema’s possible return to Lyon flickered again late in the summer, but the former Ballon d’Or winner remained unable to turn sentiment into a deal. The 38-year-old, who has not played since his last Al-Hilal appearance on 28 August, was prevented from rejoining Olympique Lyonnais by contractual ties to Saudi Arabia.
Lyon sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean had acknowledged that contact had been made with Benzema, the academy product who became one of the game’s most decorated forwards. However, the player’s contractual position meant the discussions could not produce a homecoming.
A return considered by Benzema
Karim Djaziri, Benzema’s long-time former agent, said the striker had seriously considered going back to the club where his senior career began.
“This summer, no, he could not have returned to Lyon because he has a contract binding him to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Djaziri said.
He added that Benzema had spent considerable time thinking about a Lyon return. “It is his city, his team and his club,” Djaziri said.
Benzema emerged through Lyon’s youth system before breaking into the first team, then moved to Real Madrid in 2009. His subsequent Saudi Arabian spell has included Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.
Exceptional career praised
Djaziri highlighted the unusual continuity of Benzema’s career, describing him as a player who had largely represented only Lyon and Real Madrid at the highest level, before his moves to Saudi Arabia.
He also offered a pointed view on the Saudi league, saying its organisers would have gained greater publicity by buying the French championship rather than staging their own competition.
His central message, however, was one of admiration for Benzema’s career. The forward played for France’s leading club of his early years at Lyon, then for Europe’s dominant side during his long Real Madrid spell.
Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d’Or after helping Real Madrid lift the Champions League and La Liga titles. Any renewed prospect of a return to the Rhône will depend on his Saudi contractual situation changing.
