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Karim Benzema Refuses to Play for Al Ittihad After 'Humiliating' Contract Offer

Reports say the club’s extension terms were drastically reduced compared with his current deal.

Overview

  • The striker rejected the proposal as insulting and, according to reports, intends not to play for the club again before departing on a free in June 2026.
  • He declined to feature against Al-Fateh and was left out of the squad, with coach Sergio Conceição praising his professionalism while saying the matter is beyond his remit.
  • French and international reports say the renewal offered 0 euros per month and gave the club 100% of his image-rights income.
  • He has not trained with the team, and he and his entourage have contacted club management to express their discontent.
  • His current deal is reported at about $108 million per year, and since arriving in 2023 he has captained Al Ittihad to the Saudi league and King Cup titles in 2024/25.