SPL: Benzema, the divorce finalized with Al Ittihad

Transferred to Al Hilal in the final hours of the transfer window, Karim Benzema provoked the anger of Al-Ittihad supporters, with some even burning his jersey, a symbol of a brutal and highly publicized rupture.

The controversial transfer of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, completed in the final hours of the mercato, provoked the anger of a portion of the Tigers’ supporters, some going as far as burning the striker’s jersey. Aged 38, Benzema was notably absent from Al-Ittihad’s squad for the draw against Al-Fateh (2-2) in the Saudi Pro League, while no injury or physical problem had been reported. Marcelo Gallardo’s men, however, believed they were on course for victory thanks to a brace from Saleh Alshehri, scored on both sides of halftime, before Mathias Berger’s spectacular equalizer in stoppage time (99th).

Arrived in Saudi Arabia bearing the status of a former Ballon d’Or winner, the former Real Madrid player leaves Al-Ittihad after two seasons, during which he helped win the championship. His departure comes after failed negotiations for a contract extension. According to Intel Region, the club’s management did not offer Benzema a fixed salary, preferring a remuneration indexed to his image rights. An offer deemed disrespectful by the player, who then reportedly decided to break off talks.

Taking advantage of the situation, Al-Hilal stepped in on the last day of the mercato and officially signed Karim Benzema through the end of the 2027 season, after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad. The fans’ anger didn’t take long to surface. The site All About SPL notably relayed a video showing Al-Ittihad fans tearing up and then burning Benzema’s jersey, a symbol of a rupture now consummated between the player and a portion of the public.