*This content was translated by AI.
The relationship between "Balon d'Or Winner" Karim Benzema (39) and his team RT Hard is heading for a catastrophe. Benzema, who was enraged by the insulting renewal conditions, refused to participate in training and games, effectively entering a "workout."
French media RMC Sports reported on the 31st (Korea Standard Time) that "Karim Benzema rejected Al Etihad's offer to renew his contract and refused to play in the league game against Al Fate held last Friday (30th)."
According to reports, the conflict between the two sides originated from the shocking terms of the contract renewal the club put forward. Benzema's contract with RT Hard expires in June 2026. The club wanted to extend the contract, but it is known that the conditions proposed by General Manager Michael Emenalo are a method of replacing the salary only with portrait rights profits for "basic salary of 0 won."
For Benzema, who once reigned as the world's best striker and was recruited as the "icon" of the Saudi league, it is virtually a notification to leave. Benzema took the proposal as a serious insult to his career and status, the media said. "He made it clear that he would not return to the stadium until the club brought a respectful proposal."
Benzema left Real Madrid in 2023 and entered the Saudi stage with an astronomical treatment of about 200 million euros (about 280 billion won). However, frequent injuries, controversy over attitudes, and rumors of discord with the coach continued, and fans' criticism intensified and it became an ugly duck status.
Although he saved face by scoring 13 goals and eight assists in 29 official games in the 2023-2024 season, which was his first season, he drew criticism from fans due to frequent injuries and rumors of discord with the coach. Although his scoring ability improved in the 2024-2025 season, while Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nasr) bombed the league and became the top scorer, Benzema received more attention for his noise outside the ground. In the end, the team's low participation rate and influence in the game compared to the astronomical annual salary of 280 billion won contributed to the team's super-strong move to cut annual salaries.
The proposal for "0 won in salary" is also interpreted as an intention to clean up Benzema, a high-payer, or to drastically reduce costs.
With the closing of the winter transfer market imminent, the possibility of Benzema's departure is also rapidly emerging. It is known that some European clubs, including France's former team, Olain Peak Lyon, are watching the situation, but it is unclear whether Benzema's high ransom and a team that can afford his old age will appear.
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*This content was translated by AI.
