Karim Benzema refuses to play for Al-Ittihad due to feeling disrespected

Karim Benzema unexpectedly did not take the field for Al-Ittihad amid internal disagreements within the club regarding the French striker's future.

Saudi Arabian football is facing a major shock as Karim Benzema suddenly declined to play for Al-Ittihad. According to several reliable European sources such as the newspaper L’Équipe (France), the French striker's decision stems from a contract renewal offer he considered “ridiculous” and insulting from the club.

Specifically, Al-Ittihad reportedly proposed a new contract in which Benzema’s fixed salary would be cut from $108 million per year down to zero, with earnings only coming from image rights. For a player who won the 2022 Ballon d’Or and is a legend at Real Madrid and dominated European football for over a decade, this proposal was seen by Benzema as an insult to his entire career.

Insiders reveal that Benzema not only felt disappointed but also humiliated, especially since the negotiations took place while he remained the biggest face representing Al-Ittihad in terms of image and media presence. For Benzema, this was not just about money but about honor, status, and respect for a world-class star.

As a result, the 36-year-old striker has taken a very firm stance: he will not play any more matches for Al-Ittihad. This decision has put the club’s management in a difficult position and sparked widespread controversy in Saudi Arabia, where European stars were promised “unbelievable” treatment packages.

Given the current situation, the likelihood of Karim Benzema becoming a free agent this coming June is very high. If that happens, it would be one of the most dramatic departures in the Saudi Pro League since the league began its aggressive “star hunting” strategy. Moreover, this incident raises serious questions about how Saudi clubs manage players with strong personalities and iconic status like Benzema.

From the perspective of French media, especially L’Équipe, Benzema has always been a player who places professional pride above all else. His willingness to walk away from a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars shows his determination to protect his image and personal legacy, even if it means staying off the pitch for an extended period.