Former Real Madrid striker and current Al-Ittihad star Karim Benzema is preparing for one of the most important moments of his personal life. According to a report by RMC Sport, the 36-year-old French football legend will marry actress Lina Kudri in early July, with the ceremony scheduled to take place on the island of Corsica, a destination known for its natural beauty and significance in French culture. The upcoming wedding marks a new chapter for Benzema, who has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in modern football.
For fans, the news also carries a symbolic undertone: it comes at a moment when speculation about his professional future is intensifying, with suggestions that marriage and family life may influence his decision to step away from playing sooner rather than later.Benzema and Kudri first appeared publicly as a couple during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where they attracted attention both for their glamorous appearance and for the curiosity surrounding their relationship. Kudri, a 32-year-old actress of French-Algerian descent, has built a strong reputation in European cinema, starring in projects that earned critical acclaim and recognition at international festivals.
Their union has resonated with fans not only because of their celebrity status but also due to their shared cultural heritage and strong ties to France and Algeria. The choice of Corsica for their wedding blends symbolism and intimacy: the island is renowned for its breathtaking coastline, mountainous landscapes, and a tradition of hosting high-profile weddings in a setting that still feels personal and exclusive. Reports suggest that the ceremony will be private, attended by close family, friends, and a select group of guests from both the sporting and entertainment worlds.
Given Benzema’s status as one of France’s most famous athletes and Kudri’s prominence in the film industry, the wedding is expected to draw significant media attention, even if the couple opts for discretion.The wedding also comes at a crucial crossroads in Benzema’s career. Currently under contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad until the summer of 2026, Benzema is reportedly earning an astonishing €100 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid players in world football.
His move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 was part of a broader trend of top European stars joining the Saudi Pro League, lured by lucrative contracts and the opportunity to grow the sport in the Middle East. However, whispers of retirement have grown louder in recent months. According to RMC Sport, marriage could be the prelude to Benzema’s decision to hang up his boots earlier than expected. His physical condition, combined with the natural desire to focus more on family life, may lead him to step away from the intensity of competitive football.
There is also the intriguing possibility of Benzema returning to Real Madrid — not as a player, but as an ambassador in the Arab world. Such a role would reflect both his legendary status at the Spanish club and his ability to connect with audiences across the Middle East and North Africa. Having played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2023, Benzema left behind a legacy of 354 goals, five Champions League titles, and a Ballon d’Or in 2022. His status as one of the greatest strikers in the club’s history ensures that any role with Los Blancos would be prestigious and impactful.
If Benzema does decide to retire, it will mark the end of an extraordinary career that spanned nearly two decades at the highest level. From his early days at Olympique Lyonnais to becoming a central figure at Real Madrid, Benzema’s journey has been defined by resilience, evolution, and brilliance on the pitch. His ability to adapt — shifting from a supporting role alongside Cristiano Ronaldo to becoming Real Madrid’s talisman after Ronaldo’s departure — solidified his reputation as one of football’s most complete forwards. The pinnacle of his career came with the 2021–22 season, when his goals and leadership guided Madrid to both La Liga and Champions League triumphs, earning him the Ballon d’Or.
For Lina Kudri, marrying one of football’s most celebrated icons will also place her in the global spotlight. Yet, by all accounts, she has already established herself as a respected figure in her own right. Their relationship represents the merging of two worlds: the glitz of international football and the artistry of European cinema. Together, they symbolize a new chapter — one where personal happiness may take precedence over professional ambition. For Benzema, who has always guarded his private life closely, the decision to marry publicly signals a step toward settling into life beyond the pitch.
