Al Ittihad manager reportedly refuses to give captain’s armband to Karim Benzema, sparks internal dispute

Al-Ittihad coach drops major claims with 'unwanted' superstar at his new club in a tense dressing room

Al Ittihad manager reportedly refuses to give captain’s armband to Karim Benzema, sparks internal dispute

(L) Karim Benzema (R) Nuno Esperito Dos Santo (Source: Reuturs)


The situation at Al Ittihad is worsening. Reportedly, the problem lies in the strained relationship between Karim Benzema and Nuno Espirito Santo, attributed to the treatment the former Real Madrid player receives from the Portuguese coach. After a recent conflict over transfer policies involving new signing Jota, the focus has now shifted to star Karim Benzema and coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

Despite the team’s two early-season wins, issues escalated following a transfer-heavy summer with players like Benzema, Kante, Fabinho, and Jota. Reports indicate that Benzema asked for the captaincy at Al-Ittihad, but the Portuguese coach declined the request. He instead awarded the armband to Romarinho and subsequently to Ahmed Sharahili.

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The Ballon d’Or winner reportedly feels uneasy within Al-Ittihad’s current setting, possibly hinting at a surprising transfer opportunity. Following the incidents, the player reportedly asked the club to act as an intermediary and solve the problem.

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Benzema has played twice for Al-Ittihad this season. While he hasn’t scored, he assisted in a 3-0 win over Al-Raed. The situation’s outcome is uncertain, but one of the involved parties will likely leave the club due to the conflict. After leaving Real Madrid in June, Benzema signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Ittihad worth around €600 million.

Related: Star signing announces departure from Al Ittihad just weeks after joining the Saudi Club

Ballon’dor winner Benzema’s ‘huge’ move to Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema during his massive presentation for the club.
Karim Benzema during his massive presentation for the club (Source: Al Ittihad Twitter)


Karim Benzema has committed to a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad, and fellow French talent N’Golo Kante is also set to join him. After leaving Real Madrid, where he spent 14 successful years, Benzema became a free agent. His Real Madrid contract was automatically extended until the summer of 2024.

Benzema’s Al-Ittihad contract is reportedly valued at over €100 million (£86 million) per season. Chelsea’s midfielder Kante is expected to earn a similar sum in a two-year deal within the Arabian Peninsula. Benzema said, “It’s a good league with many good players.” He also hints that Ronaldo inspired his ‘big move.’

The Frenchman has an enticing contract worth 400 million euros for two seasons. Also, an opportunity to secure a post-retirement role as an ambassador for the 2030 World Cup. According to AS, Saudi Arabia is pursuing these two concurrent strategies to win the bid for hosting the 2030 World Cup. While he has yet to score a goal in his new environment, fans are undoubtedly excited to see the World-Class striker in Top Form.

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