Very turbulent times are approaching in Saudi Arabia, with Karim Benzema as the absolute protagonist.
The French striker has openly rebelled against his club, Al Ittihad, and the situation risks turning into one of the biggest contractual conflicts seen in Middle Eastern football in recent years.
According to reports from the French newspaper L’Équipe, the former Real Madrid player feels deeply offended and humiliated by the renewal offer he received, to the point that he has taken a radical stance regarding his immediate future.
The origin of the conflict lies in the contract renewal proposal presented by Al Ittihad.
Karim Benzema’s entourage considers the offer “ridiculous” and completely inappropriate for a player of his status, career, and media impact.
The French striker currently earns around €108 million per year, a figure that was decisive in convincing him to leave Europe and move to Saudi Arabia.
However, the new offer would be significantly lower than that amount, which the player interprets as a lack of respect and a clear undervaluation of his image.
This move has destroyed any possibility of mutual understanding. Benzema was expecting an offer in line with his current contract or, at the very least, a serious negotiation. What he received instead has caused great anger.
The Frenchman’s reaction has been firm. Karim Benzema’s current position is that he will no longer play for Al Ittihad and will see out his contract until the end of the season in order to become a free agent.
This represents a direct challenge to the Saudi club, pushing the situation to maximum tension.
Benzema believes he has nothing left to prove and will not accept conditions that damage his image or legacy.
The Ballon d’Or winner understands that his sporting and commercial impact remains significant and is not willing to compromise in the face of an offer he considers insulting.
This decision represents an earthquake for Saudi football, which had made the Frenchman one of its main international symbols.
His absence or a complete separation would have a direct impact both on sporting performance and at an institutional level.
The possibility is not ruled out that other clubs in the country may attempt to intervene, or that the situation will be closely followed by Europe or even MLS. Becoming a free agent at the end of the season would turn Benzema into a unique opportunity on the market, despite his advanced age.
For now, the clash is set. Karim Benzema feels betrayed, Al Ittihad is facing a high-level internal crisis, and Middle Eastern football is once again at the center of controversy. The outcome promises to be just as sensational as it is unpredictable.
