Karim Benzema's future in the Saudi Pro League looks to be in major doubt after the Frenchman refused to be involved in his club's recent match against Al Fateh.
The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner moved to the Middle East in 2023 after calling time on his 14-year stay at Real Madrid. However, it looks like his stint at Al-Ittihad is coming to a close, with his contract set to expire in June.
Karim Benzema Related
Karim Benzema Spends Fortune on New Car and Still Has £92,000 Left of Daily Salary
The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner has added a new toy to his showroom of supercars.
His club have had a below-standard season so far, as they sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League after 18 games. As Benzema sat on the sidelines for Thursday's match, Al-Ittihad laboured to a 2-2 draw against Al Fateh.
Benzema Disappointed by Broken 'Promises' at Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano shed light on the situation as he backed up claims by French publication L'Equipe that Benzema was left disappointed by a contract offer from the club. That led to his decision to inform the hierarchy that he wouldn't be playing on Thursday.
Romano said: "Karim Benzema received a new contract proposal from Al Ittihad that is not what he expected. Benzema feels the promises coming from the club since last summer were different about a new contract."
Details of the exact offer have been revealed. Al-Ittihad are said to have proposed that the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner plays without earning a wage, and being paid his image rights only instead. Romano added:
"The contract proposal he received was to continue at the club and sign a new deal beyond June 2026, when his contract expires. But, basically, playing for free without any extra money, but just paid his image rights immediately.
"So this would be the structure of a new contract proposed by Al-Ittihad. Karim Benzema will not accept this solution. So what's happening is that Benzema in the last 24 hours communicated that he doesn't want to be part of the squad for this matchday."
The veteran forward racked up an impressive 30 goal contributions (21 goals and nine assists) in 29 Saudi Pro League appearances last term as his side stormed to the title. He's been just as valuable this season, with 16 strikes in all competitions.
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or
2022 Ballon d'Or - Chatelet Theatre, Paris, France - October 17, 2022 Real Madrid's Karim Benzema after winning the Ballon d'Or REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
According to ESPN, the 38-year-old feels 'disrespected' by his employers, and it's clear to see why. Benzema is currently the third-highest-paid player in world football.
The 20 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World Right Now Have Been Named and Ranked - in Order Related
The 20 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World Right Now Have Been Revealed
Some of these stars are making a lot more than just their monthly salary...
He takes home over £85 million each year, with only Cristiano Ronaldo (£194m) and Lionel Messi (£96.9m) earning more. It's been reported that Benzema is training on his own and is considering all of his options going forward. He is one of the best players around who'll be a free agent in the summer if a compromise isn't reached.
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 29-01-26.