Softfootball understands that following a recent report about Karim Benzema’s contract breakdown, the player personally asked to be left out of Al Ittihad’s squad for today’s match following a controversial contract proposal, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
The French striker reportedly believes promises made by the Saudi club have been broken, particularly regarding compensation outside of image rights. His decision has triggered a wave of reactions on X, with fans and commentators expressing strong opinions.
Shamakh (@king_esam1) criticized Benzema’s decision, emphasising the responsibility he carries as a leader and a former Real Madrid star.
He said:
Get out. I hope you leave Al Ittihad. You don’t care about the team and you don’t fight for the ball. This is Al Ittihad. If you want to stay in this team, you have to work hard to get that. You are the leader, and you played in the best club in the world (Real Madrid), so you know what the mean fight for the fans better than all the players in Al Ittihad. You have to show them what they have to do. You didn’t want to play today because of money. A real player plays for the fans. You should have played today for the fans.
Meanwhile, Usman Ali (@UsmanAl93547378) framed Benzema’s withdrawal as a stand against broken promises rather than a greed-driven act.
He stated:
Benzema walking out says it all. You can’t treat a legend like a checkbook. Promises aren’t optional and top players know their worth. Al Ittihad just learned the hard way.
Similarly, Pu®p¤§€ Trixx (@purpose_trixx) noted that Benzema, who recently cleared the air about his future before this recent fallout, values respect and trust above money.
He added:
Benzema clearly values respect and trust over just money hard to blame him for stepping back if promises aren’t honored.
Meanwhile, another user (@HighbeeNation1) critiqued the Saudi Pro League’s recruitment model.
He warned:
The Saudi Pro League sold the dream with massive wages and infinite money. Now the first cracks appear: promises quietly broken, stars offered play for free + image rights deals. Benzema’s stand isn’t greed it’s a signal that the hype has limits when performance and loyalty meet cold business. More exits coming if this is the new normal.
Finally, BIG FAN OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME MESSI (@Joseph65557799) commented sarcastically on the league’s financial future.
He posted:
Oil money is running out…soon the league will go back to playing with bakery workers.
Benzema’s absence is being viewed as more than a personal decision, it may signal a broader challenge for the Saudi Pro League, where even top stars demand trust, respect, and the honouring of promises over purely financial incentives.
