Karim Benzema’s Saudi future complicated by 330m riyal contract clause

Karim Benzema could lose more than 330m Saudi riyals (£70m) if he leaves Saudi Arabia and plays for a club outside the country, according to details reported by Asharq Al-Awsat. The French forward’s future has therefore become a financial issue as well as a sporting matter, with the terms of a separate promotional agreement potentially shaping his next move.

The contract is reportedly worth $23m a year, equivalent to 86.25m Saudi riyals, and runs until 2030. Based on the value remaining from next September until 30 June 2030, the outstanding amount is estimated at about $88.2m, or approximately 330.6m Saudi riyals.

The agreement includes a confidential clause preventing Benzema from playing outside Saudi Arabia for its entire duration. If he joins a club abroad and appears for that team, the contract would be cancelled immediately.

That would make a move away from the Roshn Saudi League the most expensive option available to the 37-year-old, who joined Al-Ittihad after arriving in Saudi Arabia. The promotional deal is understood to be connected to his work promoting Saudi football and related events, in a role that follows the same path as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema’s situation has become more complicated after negotiations with Al-Hilal stalled. If his relationship with the club ends, he may have to find another side within the Roshn Saudi League, even if the salary offered is lower than his current Al-Hilal agreement.

Remaining in Saudi Arabia would allow him to preserve the promotional contract, which is scheduled to continue until 2030. Alternatively, he could reconsider accepting Al-Hilal’s proposed arrangement.

However, sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat said Benzema is still opposed to being registered only in Al-Hilal’s Asian squad. That arrangement would allow him to play in the AFC Champions League Elite, the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup, but not in the Roshn Saudi League.

The disagreement means Benzema is facing three possible routes. He could reach a mutual agreement with Al-Hilal to end their contract and then move to another Saudi club. He could accept remaining with Al-Hilal as part of the club’s Asian squad only. Or he could leave Saudi Arabia altogether and play abroad.

The third option would carry the greatest financial consequence. A move outside the country, followed by an appearance for the new club, would trigger the cancellation of the promotional agreement and leave Benzema facing the loss of more than 330m Saudi riyals.

His next decision is therefore tied not only to where he wants to play, but also to whether he is prepared to sacrifice one of the most valuable contracts associated with his time in Saudi football.