Former Al-Ittihad icon Mohammed Noor has launched a scathing attack on Karim Benzema following the French striker’s controversial departure from the Saudi Pro League club to rivals Al-Hilal, accusing the Ballon d’Or winner of disrespecting supporters and mishandling his exit.
Benzema’s move has sparked intense debate across Saudi football after the former Real Madrid captain ended his spell with Al-Ittihad despite having a contract running until June 30, 2026.
The veteran forward reportedly rejected renewal proposals from the club before completing a transfer to Al-Hilal, a decision that has divided opinion among fans and pundits alike.
Noor, widely regarded as one of Al-Ittihad’s greatest players, did not hold back in his assessment of Benzema’s conduct during the transfer saga.
He suggested the striker had already secured his future elsewhere while negotiations with Al-Ittihad were still ongoing, leaving club officials blindsided by the eventual outcome.
“Karim Benzema’s contract was set to expire on June 30, 2026, and he received two offers from Al-Ittihad to renew it, but he stalled,” Noor said.
The former midfielder further alleged that Benzema had secretly reached an agreement with Al-Hilal before attempting to pressure Al-Ittihad’s management regarding contract terms.
According to Noor, the move reflected poorly on the forward’s relationship with the club hierarchy and its passionate fan base.
“Benzema had already reached an agreement with Al-Hilal without the knowledge of the Al-Ittihad board. Then he came to pressure the club’s management, who had made him offers, but he didn’t respond because he had already agreed everything with the Al-Hilal board.”
The criticism also extended to Benzema’s farewell, with Noor questioning whether the French striker adequately acknowledged the support he received during his time at the Jeddah-based club.
“He reached an agreement with Al-Hilal and had a bad exit from Al-Ittihad. Didn’t the fans who supported him and chanted his name for so long deserve a thank you before he left? He’s the loser, not Al-Ittihad.”
Benzema’s transfer represents another high-profile move within Saudi football as the league continues to attract elite talent while intensifying rivalries between the country’s top clubs.
