Furious Al-Ittihad supporters have resorted to burning the jerseys of Karim Benzema after the veteran striker orchestrated a shock deadline-day switch to arch-rivals Al-Hilal.
The 38-year-old Frenchman ended his two-year tenure with the “Tigers”—a period during which he spearheaded their successful league title campaign—by joining the Riyadh-based leaders on a contract running through 2027.
This dramatic exit followed the total collapse of renewal talks, leaving the Jeddah club without their talisman just as the winter transfer window slammed shut.
The fracture between the former Real Madrid star and the Al-Ittihad hierarchy reportedly stemmed from an unconventional contract proposal. According to Intel Region, the defending champions offered Benzema a deal lacking a guaranteed fixed salary, suggesting instead that his compensation derive entirely from image rights. Benzema reportedly viewed this financial structure as a profound lack of respect, leading him to terminate his existing arrangement and seek an immediate departure.
The fallout from the contract dispute became evident on the pitch when Benzema missed Al-Ittihad’s 2-2 draw against Al-Fateh, despite being fully fit. In his absence, Saleh Alshehri nearly secured a victory with a brace, but a 99th-minute equalizer from Mathias Berger denied the Tigers the full three points. As news of his finalized move to Al-Hilal broke, social media footage surfaced showing fans tearing down posters and setting fire to his number nine jersey in a public display of betrayal.
Benzema leaves the club as a free agent, a move that significantly shifts the power balance in the Saudi Pro League. While Al-Ittihad struggles to find a replacement for his clinical finishing, Al-Hilal adds yet another Ballon d’Or winner to a squad already dominating the domestic standings. The veteran forward will now look to lead his new side to continental glory, while his former supporters in Jeddah have made it clear he is no longer welcome.
About the Author
