Lyon considered bringing club academy graduate Karim Benzema back this summer, with the 38-year-old reportedly enthusiastic about spending a season at his hometown club and prepared to play without a salary.
However, a return to Lyon did not go ahead because of Benzema’s existing agreement with the Saudi Pro League. Although his contract with Al-Hilal has been terminated, the forward remains an ambassador for the Saudi Arabian competition until 2030 and intends to fulfil the responsibilities set out in that deal.
The possibility of Benzema returning to the club where he began his career was examined by Lyon’s leadership during the summer, according to French newspaper L’Equipe. The proposal would have given the experienced striker an opportunity to represent his boyhood club again, while Lyon would have secured the services of one of the most decorated players to emerge from its academy.
Benzema was said to be encouraged by the prospect of returning to Lyon and was willing to make the move without receiving a wage. Despite that willingness, the obligations attached to his Saudi Pro League agreement prevented the transfer from being completed.
The former France international left Lyon in 2009 to join Real Madrid. He went on to establish himself as one of the club’s leading forwards, winning the Champions League five times during his time in Madrid.
Benzema also claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2022, recognition of his performances at the highest level of European football. His achievements at Real Madrid made a potential return to Lyon a significant prospect, but the move ultimately remained under consideration rather than becoming a completed transfer.
His situation was complicated by the fact that ending his playing contract with Al-Hilal did not end all of his commitments in Saudi Arabia. The continuing ambassadorial agreement with the Saudi Pro League extends until 2030, and Benzema is determined to honour it.
As a result, Lyon’s interest in its former academy player could not lead to the proposed reunion. Benzema’s willingness to play for no salary was therefore not enough to overcome the contractual responsibilities that remained after his departure from Al-Hilal.
The French forward’s career has taken him from Lyon to Real Madrid and then to Saudi Arabia, but a return to the club where he developed as a player will not take place this summer.