Benzema talks Vinicius, Ballon d’Or, Ancelotti, Real Madrid, retirement, future return

With Real Madrid currently in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, the players ran into an old teammate and club legend Karim Benzema earlier this week.

The French superstar, who left Los Blancos for Al-Ittihad back in 2023, met with his former teammates and friends, paying a visit to their hotel and was later in attendance for the Super Cup semi-final win against RCD Mallorca.

The forward gave an interview to MARCA post that, during which he discussed various topics concerned with his former club.

After a jittery start to the season, Real Madrid seem to be getting close to their best version and Benzema backed them to continue winning trophies.

“Real Madrid are always Real Madrid, that is to say, they are a team to win everything, to triumph. They are always here because they win titles and now they have the chance to win another one,” he said.

The iconic striker then admitted to missing Real Madrid, calling the club his ‘home’.

“As always. It is my club. I’ve spent half my life there and I feel at home. I always watch Real Madrid matches,” he remarked.

Talking about the visit to the Merengues’ team hotel in Jeddah and what was discussed between him and his ex-teammates, Benzema stated:

“We spoke more like friends. It’s funny, but we talked more about life than football. It was nice. I watch the games and we talk a bit.

“With Vinicius, for example, we talked about the Ballon d’Or, but basically it was a chat with everyone, about simple things, about life.”

When asked, in particular, about his chat with Vinicius, who missed out on the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Benzema revealed what he said to the Brazilian superstar, saying:

“That he shouldn’t pay attention, that he shouldn’t lower his intensity at all because he is the best in the world and one day he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

On his reunion with manager Carlo Ancelotti, the former French international said: “Yes, yes, I was with him. He is a great coach. I feel very good with him, like friends.”

Benzema also confirmed that he will meet Real Madrid president Florentino Perez later this week, before the Super Cup final against Barcelona, saying:

“Yes, yes, Florentino Perez wasn’t there. I spoke to him by WhatsApp and told him that we had to see each other and as he is coming, I will see him before the final and we will talk.”

Not long ago, there were reports claiming that Benzema had decided to retire at the end of the season and step into an ambassadorial role. Dismissing those claims, he said:

“No, no. Those are the words of I don’t know who. Nonsense. I have no limit to tell myself that in two, three or four years I’m going to quit football. I feel good, thank God. My body is fine. I’m preparing well and we’ll see how I feel every year.”

On whether he has been thinking about returning to Real Madrid in the future, Benzema replied:

“Yes, of course, why not. At the moment I’m in Jeddah and I’m very well. The time will come to see how life is and I’m sure I’ll be close to Madrid.”

Concluding, Benzema had some words for the Real Madrid fans, as he said:

“I want to send a message to the people of Madrid because I am always with Real Madrid. It is a team to win titles. I’m sure that this year will prove again that Real Madrid is the best club in the world. Hala Madrid!”