Benzema Refuses to Play for Al-Ittihad Amid Contract Renewal Standoff

Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and Al-Ittihad striker, refused to play for his Saudi Pro League club just hours before their scheduled match, after rejecting a proposed contract renewal that he considers unacceptable, according to multiple reports.

Benzema informed Al-Ittihad’s management that he will not feature in the upcoming fixture — reported to be against Al-Fateh — in protest at the latest offer to extend his stay at the club. The 38-year-old’s current deal is set to expire in June 2026, and discussions over his future have intensified as the end of the season draws closer.

According to French sports daily L’Équipe, Benzema felt the renewal proposal was deeply disrespectful, describing it as tantamount to “playing for free” and expressing that he felt humiliated by what he viewed as a substantial reduction in salary compared with his current terms — despite being one of the club’s top performers this season.

The decision appears to be the striker’s own, rather than a tactical exclusion by coaching staff. Reports cite Benzema’s stance that he will not represent Al-Ittihad again under the current contract circumstances and will instead become a free agent when his contract lapses in June.

Benzema’s absence from the lineup is expected to be a significant blow for Al-Ittihad in their Saudi Pro League campaign, where they are currently positioned outside the top spots, as well as in their continental pursuits. The situation has generated attention across European and Middle Eastern football media, with some speculation about his future potential — including interest from clubs in major European leagues — if a resolution is not reached.