Overview
- Al‑Hilal confirmed they agreed to terminate Karim Benzema’s contract this week, making the 38‑year‑old a free agent.
- Lyon’s management seriously studied a reunion and Benzema reportedly agreed to return and play without a salary, but talks did not progress to a signed deal.
- French reporting says a separate ambassadorial and image‑rights contract linked to the Saudi football project, reportedly running to 2030, prevents him from registering with a European club.
- Club decisions at Al‑Hilal — including manager Simone Inzaghi’s preference for a younger focal striker and the signing of Ollie Watkins — contributed to Benzema’s exit from the squad.
- With the ambassadorial obligations limiting transfer options, media coverage now focuses on retirement as a likely path and on how state‑linked commercial deals can restrict player mobility.