Guest on RMC this Monday, John Textor notably spoke of his dream of bringing Karim Benzema back to OL.
During an exceptional interview broadcast this Monday on the show Rothen ignites on RMC, John Textor, the president of Olympique Lyonnais, opened the door to a return of Karim Benzema to the club of his beginnings. With the 37-year-old striker currently playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Textor revealed that he would be ready to host the 2022 Ballon d’Or on the pitch, or even in an off-field role.
“I think he knows that I tried to get him back last year (in January 2024)”confided the Lyon president. “I spoke to the president of his club in Saudi Arabia on the phone and told him about the rumors that he was unhappy at Al-Ittihad. But it obviously costs too much. The Saudi sums are astronomical. But he knows he is welcome on the pitch, no matter his age, he could even show his level in a wheelchair! »
John Textor, who expresses great admiration for the former Real Madrid player, also added: “He is an important member of the family [de l’OL]he would also be welcome in a role off the field. It’s the same for Juninho, he still looks great! He could still give us free kicks from outside the box. All these guys are welcome. »
The dream of a return for Lyon supporters
The return of Karim Benzema to Lyon represents a dream shared by many Les Gones supporters. Born and trained in Lyon, Benzema marked the history of OL before leaving in 2009 to join Real Madrid. With the Lyon club, he played 148 matches, scored 66 goals and provided 27 assists. He also won four French championship titles and a Coupe de France. In 2007-2008, he was voted best player and top scorer in Ligue 1, a golden season which left its mark.
Since his departure, Benzema has enjoyed immense success at Real Madrid, before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, where he now plays with Al-Ittihad. His contract with the Jeddah club runs until 2026, and although he is 37 years old, his status as a world star remains intact. But his Lyon past and his attachment to his training club cannot be forgotten, especially since the door to a return seems open.
A complex situation, but not impossible
The main obstacle to this return lies in financial conditions. Player salaries in the Saudi Pro League are considerably high, and the cost of transferring or relocating Benzema to Lyon remains an obstacle. “The Saudi sums are astronomical”underlines Textor, recalling that if a return is possible, it would require a review of the attacker’s contractual situation, which for the moment seems difficult to envisage.
However, the idea of a return off the field cannot be ruled out. Welcoming a Benzema as a member of the OL family, whether on the pitch or in an administrative or technical role, remains a possibility that makes supporters dream.
Benzema and OL: A flame that may never go out
Regardless, John Textor’s ambition and the fans’ desires are no secret: seeing Benzema put on the OL jersey again would be a historic moment, both for the player and for the club. The question remains whether circumstances will allow this dream to ever come true. In the meantime, discussions around its future will continue to fuel the speculation and hopes of the Lyonnais.
