2026年9月10日

36-Year-Old Benzema Strikes: Refuses to Play Over Insulting Contract, Leaves Al-Ittihad Indefinitely

In the early hours of January 30, Al-Ittihad drew 2-2 away against Al-Hasa, but star striker Karim B...

In the early hours of January 30, Al-Ittihad drew 2-2 away against Al-Hasa, but star striker Karim Benzema was absent—not even listed in the squad. Multiple media outlets report that the 36-year-old has temporarily left the club.

Benzema played as recently as January 27, but the club’s contract renewal offer reportedly infuriated him: no additional salary, only immediate image rights payment. Fabrizio Romano commented: “This contract is basically asking Benzema to play for free—there’s zero chance he would accept it!” Angered, Benzema informed the club he would go on an indefinite strike and refuse to play.

His contract with Al-Ittihad expires in June 2026. According to L’Équipe, because the league is the player’s official employer, the club has little recourse. After the match, manager Gonçalves Santos said: “Ask the club about these matters. My role is training, playing, winning. Benzema is a great player, and it’s an honor to coach him.”

Since leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer with a reported €100 million annual salary. This season, he scored 16 goals in 21 appearances, proving he’s still in top form.

接著讀