Real Madrid icon Karim Benzema considers retirement after terminating Al Hilal contract
Karim Benzema is considering retirement after terminating his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal due to ongoing injury struggles and a diminished role in the squad. The former Real Madrid star is weighing his options, including joining another Middle Eastern club or ending his professional career.
Why it matters
The potential retirement of a Ballon d'Or winner marks the end of an era for a generation of elite European football icons moving into the twilight of their careers.
In the last few years, a number of Real Madrid icons have announced their retirement, such as Toni Kroos and Sergio Ramos. There will be more to follow soon, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema in the twilight stages of their respective careers.
In Benzema's case, he is still younger than former teammates Ronaldo (41) and Modric (40) at 38, but he could end up retiring before both. Since moving from Real Madrid to Saudi Arabia two years ago, he has struggled to shake off the injury issues that plagued his final 12 months at the Bernabeu, and that has also affected his form.
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