Benzema vs Al-Ittihad: Why the French Star Sat Out the Game

Karim Benzema didn’t feature in Al-Ittihad’s recent Saudi Pro League match, and it wasn’t due to injury or rotation — it was a contract dispute.

The former Real Madrid striker has been at Al-Ittihad since the summer of 2023, helping them win the league and cup last season and becoming a central figure in Jeddah. But this week, those relations hit a serious snag.

Negotiations over a new contract extension have collapsed. According to reports, the club’s latest offer included terms that Benzema found unacceptable — to the point where his camp felt the proposal didn’t reflect his value or contribution. Some outlets even described the terms as tantamount to “playing for free” outside of image rights income.

Faced with what he considered a disrespectful offer, Benzema told the club he would not play until the situation is resolved. That decision saw him absent from the squad for the 2–2 draw against Al-Fateh, a result that came without the team’s captain leading the line.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a missed match — it’s a sign of deeper friction. Benzema’s contract runs until June 30, and with discussions over his future stalling, uncertainty continues to grow around his next steps.

For Al-Ittihad, losing their talisman for even one game is significant given their ambitions. They’ve slipped to mid-table in the league, a stark contrast to their performances last season when Benzema’s contributions helped secure silverware.

Inside the club, voices close to the situation say there’s disappointment on both sides. Benzema feels let down by how talks unfolded, while the hierarchy is left weighing the cost of pushing him out against finding a compromise.

What Could Happen Next

If talks don’t resume with improved terms, Benzema could spend more time off the pitch — and his future might lie away from Saudi Arabia. European interest hasn’t been ruled out, and with the veteran still capable of performing at a high level, a winter or summer move is now within the realm of possibility.

For now, Al-Ittihad will have to navigate their campaign without one of their biggest stars — and Benzema will be watching closely to see how the next chapter unfolds.

Published by Patrick Jane
30.01.2026