In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema Ballon d’Or winner and global football icon has suddenly sidelined himself from a crucial Al-Ittihad fixture, igniting a maelstrom of speculation, contractual controversy, and intense scrutiny on the club’s leadership.
What began as a routine league encounter has rapidly evolved into a high-stakes saga that intertwines player autonomy, managerial authority, and the precarious integration of European superstars in the Middle Eastern football landscape.
With Al-Ittihad’s captain unexpectedly absent from the 2-2 draw against Al-Fateh, head coach Sergio Conceicao found himself fielding probing questions that extended far beyond tactical matters.
While refusing to comment on the administrative dispute, Conceicao publicly defended Benzema’s professionalism, asserting, “Karim is a great professional, a fantastic player, and I am proud to coach him. Everything else lies with the club’s management.”
The source of tension lies in a controversial contract renewal proposal presented to Benzema by Al-Ittihad. According to reports from L’Equipe and Fabrizio Romano, the club offered to extend his contract without a fixed salary, compensating him solely through image rights.
For a player of Benzema’s international stature one of the highest-paid footballers in the world the arrangement was considered deeply disrespectful.
The Ballon d’Or winner, who contributed 30 goal involvements during Al-Ittihad’s title-winning campaign and has netted 16 goals this season, opted to train away from the squad while evaluating his options.
The situation has not only intensified scrutiny on Al-Ittihad’s management but also highlighted the complexities of accommodating elite European talent within the Saudi Pro League’s regulatory framework, where high-profile contracts require league-level approval.
As speculation mounts, all eyes remain on the club and the player, with fans, pundits, and analysts closely monitoring developments that could redefine the dynamics of one of the league’s most ambitious projects.
