Tag: Karim Benzema

Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Threatens Summer Exit as Strike Dispute Continues at Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo
January 2026

Report says Ronaldo escalated his protest by warning he could leave Al-Nassr and Saudi Arabia in the summer, tied to frustration over PIF-controlled transfer decisions, including Benzema moving from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal. Ronaldo missed the match versus Al-Riyadh in what is framed as protest action. He has returned to training but his availability for the upcoming Al-Ittihad fixture is uncertain amid reported internal pressure and contractual expectations to play unless injured.

Benzema Joins Al-Hilal From Al-Ittihad as Ronaldo Protest Claims Swirl

Karim Benzema
January 2026

Benzema completed a surprise move from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal late in the window, intensifying title-race tension and fueling reports of Ronaldo frustration at Al-Nassr’s lack of additions. Reports claimed Ronaldo’s absence vs Al-Riyadh aligned with strike rumors tied to perceived unequal PIF-backed investment; Al-Nassr did not publicly explain the absence, and Benzema’s move proceeded anyway as Al-Hilal stayed top by a point.

Al-Ittihad Sporting Director Talks Up Benzema Contract Extension

Karim Benzema
January 2026

Planes said he expects Benzema to extend beyond his June 2026 contract, despite mixed reports and Benzema’s own non-committal stance. Planes claimed Benzema wants to stay for the “serious project” and strong squad. Benzema previously said he is focused on football with six months left and left contract decisions to others.

Benzema seeks clarity from Al-Ittihad as European offers test his future

Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
November 2025

Karim Benzema admits he is uncertain about staying at Al-Ittihad beyond this season, with offers from Europe on the table. He wants to play at least two more years and refuses to drift toward retirement without fighting for major trophies. Early season struggles and vague sporting plans have left him frustrated despite feeling settled off the pitch. He insists his next step depends on Al-Ittihad presenting a serious, ambitious project quickly, otherwise he will consider a return to Europe to match his competitive standards.

Benzema decisive as Al-Ittihad oust Al-Nassr in King’s Cup

Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
October 2025

Al-Ittihad beat Al-Nassr 2–1 to reach the quarter-finals, with Karim Benzema scoring and Houssem Aouar netting the winner. Despite long spells of Al-Nassr pressure and a second-half red card for Al-Ittihad, Ronaldo, Sadio Mané and João Félix could not convert late dominance into goals as the holders’ defensive resolve held. Ittihad struck via a rapid transition—Moussa Diaby’s cross for Benzema—then absorbed sustained pressure, leaning on compact mid-block spacing and penalty-box discipline. After going down to 10, they tightened lanes and slowed tempo. Al-Nassr created volume without high-quality finishes. Tactical takeaway: Ittihad’s counter-efficiency and box defending can offset possession deficits in knockout ties.

Benzema targeted by Fenerbahce for January European return

Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
October 2025

Fenerbahce are preparing a January move for Benzema to fix their goalscoring struggles. The 37-year-old Ballon d’Or winner earns €50m annually in Saudi Arabia but is reportedly open to returning to Europe. Club president Sadettin Saran has endorsed the pursuit.
Talks may accelerate if Benzema’s camp shows interest. Underperforming forward Jhon Duran could depart to make room. If negotiations fail, Fenerbahce will pivot to other strikers. The move would reunite Benzema with European competition and restore his late-career visibility.

Blanc Sacked by Al-Ittihad After Ronaldo Defeat

Laurent Blanc
September 2025

Al-Ittihad dismissed Laurent Blanc a day after losing 2-0 to Al-Nassr, their third defeat of the season. The Frenchman, who guided them to a league and cup double last year, paid the price for defensive struggles and poor recent form. Goals from Sadio Mané and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed Blanc’s fate. Despite boasting Karim Benzema, Blanc lamented injury-hit backline options. The club confirmed his exit via social media, ending his brief Saudi tenure after just over a year in charge.

Mourinho Eyes Benzema Reunion at Benfica

Jose Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

Benfica may pursue Karim Benzema as Jose Mourinho seeks to reunite with his former Real Madrid striker. The 37-year-old could leave Al-Ittihad before his contract expires next summer if Benfica pay a small transfer fee. Al-Ittihad are reportedly open to letting Benzema go for €7m, but a move would require him to accept a massive wage cut from his current £83m-per-year salary. Benzema has praised Mourinho before, raising hopes of a sensational reunion.

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