Striker Karim Benzema, star of Al-Ittihad, refused a contract renewal proposal presented by the club, generating a significant impasse over his stay in the Saudi team. The decision, revealed by the French newspaper “L’Équipe”, called into question the continuity of the player, who has a contract until June of this year. The offer was considered “insulting” by his staff, resulting in the athlete’s removal from activities.
Due to dissatisfaction with the proposed terms, Benzema left Al-Ittihad for an indefinite period of time. The situation represents a turning point for the club and for the 38-year-old player, who arrived at Arábia Saudita with great expectations. The absence of the center forward has already been confirmed for the match against Al-Najma SC, valid for Campeonato Saudita, scheduled for next Sunday, February 2nd.
Impasse in contract renewal
The first official renewal proposal for Benzema’s contract, according to L’Équipe, was presented by Michael Emenalo, director of football at Saudi Pro League (SPL), on Wednesday this week. The deadline, just five days before the transfer window closes, added urgency to the negotiation, but did not prevent the player from categorically refusing.
The terms of the offer were classified as “insulting” and “disrespectful” by representatives of Benzema, as detailed by the French newspaper. The interpretation is that the conditions presented would be equivalent to “playing for free”, in addition to implying a violation of the athlete’s image rights. Benzema would have expressed great surprise and disappointment, given that the initial promises upon his arrival at the club were substantially different from the values now proposed.
Benzema’s trajectory in Arab football
Karim Benzema arrived at Al-Ittihad three years ago, coming from Real Madrid, where he built a successful career and established himself as one of the greatest strikers of his generation. Sua transfer to Arábia Saudita was part of an ambitious movement by the local league to attract big names in world football and raise the level of the competition, with robust investments in salaries and structures.
Since his arrival, the Frenchman has been a central player in the team’s scheme, contributing with goals and experience. In the 2025/26 season, the striker found the net 16 times in 21 matches played in all competitions, showing that, despite his age, he maintains his goalscoring ability. Individual performance, however, did not prevent the current contractual crisis, which now threatens its permanence and the Al-Ittihad project.
Immediate consequences for the club
Benzema’s decision to step aside for an indefinite period poses an immediate challenge to Al-Ittihad, who will lose their main goalscorer at a crucial moment of the season. The club, which currently occupies sixth place in the Campeonato Saudita with 31 points, needs its most decisive players to climb the table and achieve its goals in the league.
The absence of a player of Benzema’s caliber in the squad can affect not only performance on the field, but also team morale and external perception of the club’s stability. With the transfer window about to close, Al-Ittihad will have little time to find a satisfactory solution, whether to reverse the situation with the Frenchman or to look for a suitable replacement.
Saudi Pro League Scenario
Saudi Pro League has invested heavily in signing global stars in recent years, transforming the championship into an attractive destination for high-level players. Além of Benzema, other big names, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, also play in the league, raising the visibility and technical level of the matches.
This strategic move aims to not only strengthen the clubs but also promote the image of Saudi football internationally. Casos of contractual dissatisfaction, like that of
Repercussion among fans and press
The news of Karim Benzema’s refusal and his separation from Al-Ittihad quickly spread, generating great repercussion among fans and the sports press. Admirers of the Saudi club and the player express concern about the future of the team and the athlete, while experts analyze the possible causes and consequences of this disagreement.
The incident also reignites discussions about the power of players in negotiations and the way in which clubs, especially those with high investment, deal with the expectations and demands of their stars. The situation of Benzema will be a test for the management capacity of Al-Ittihad and Saudi Pro League itself.
Next steps in the athlete’s career
With the contract ending in June, Karim Benzema’s status at Al-Ittihad becomes increasingly uncertain. The possibility of an early departure or non-renewal opens a new chapter in the striker’s career. Clubes from other leagues, paying attention to the market, may emerge as potential destinations for the experienced player.
The expectation now falls on the next few weeks, which will be decisive in defining the future of Benzema. If the impasse with Al-Ittihad persists, the athlete will seek new opportunities, possibly in European leagues or other emerging global football markets.
