Karim Benzema On Strike Over ‘Insulting’ Contract Offer Despite Earning Ksh40 Million Per Day

Karim Benzema has allegedly gone on strike at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad after receiving a contract extension offer he reportedly found "insulting," despite his current deal being worth approximately £230,000 (Ksh40.9 million) per day.

The former Real Madrid star joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 on a lucrative contract that pays him an estimated £1.61 million (Ksh206 million) per week. With his current agreement set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, discussions over his future have seemingly hit a major roadblock.

According to reports from France, both Benzema and the club were initially interested in extending their partnership. However, after Al-Ittihad presented their first offer on Thursday, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was reportedly so offended by the terms that he refused to participate in the team's upcoming match.

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As a result, head coach Sergio Conceicao had to leave Benzema out of the squad for the 2-2 draw against Al Fateh. When questioned about the high-profile absence, Conceicao deflected, stating, "You should go to the management with those questions. I'm only here to train the players, officiate matches, and win trophies."

He added praise for the striker, saying, "Karim is a fantastic professional. He's a fantastic player who scored 13 goals in 17 matches under my guidance. I'm proud to be his manager."

Sources suggest Benzema has begun training separately from the first team. He is said to have accused the club of expecting him to "play for free" in the initial phase of the proposed new contract, where his earnings would be limited to image rights.

While Benzema has had a productive season individually, with eight goals in 14 appearances, Al-Ittihad have struggled, currently sitting sixth in the Saudi Pro League standings. Amid the contract dispute, speculation is growing that the French forward may be exploring a move away from the club as the European transfer window nears its conclusion.

Benzema's current £85 million (Ksh15 billion) annual salary makes him the third-highest-paid player in world football, behind Inter Miami's Lionel Messi £96.9 million (Ksh17.2 billion) and Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns a reported £194 million (Ksh34.5 billion) per year.