Karim Benzema ‘missing’ following emphatic loss against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr

In a surprising turn of events last summer, Karim Benzema bid farewell to Real Madrid, the club where he had earned the prestigious title of the Ballon D’Or holder. The French striker embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Saudi club Al-Ittihad in what promised to be a thrilling move.

Al-Ittihad brought the stars together

Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, had ambitious plans for the season, bolstering their squad with stellar acquisitions, including the likes of Ngolo Kante, Fabinho, and the headline-grabbing signing, Karim Benzema. The trio was expected to elevate the team’s performance and propel them to even greater success.

Not a good start

However, the journey took an unexpected turn when Al-Ittihad faced Egyptian side Al-Ahly in the Club World Cup, and disappointingly, they were eliminated from the competition. The spotlight turned on Benzema, who missed a crucial penalty in the game, becoming a focal point for criticism from fans.

The challenges persisted as Al-Ittihad suffered a 5-2 defeat against Al Nassr in a recent match. Benzema found himself under intense scrutiny, with fans expressing dissatisfaction with his performance. Reports emerged from Saudi Arabia that Benzema had departed Jeddah for an undisclosed location, leaving fans puzzled about his sudden change in circumstances.

Karim goes ‘missing’

Rumors circulated that Benzema’s struggles extended beyond the pitch. Criticized for squandering seemingly easy chances and accused of lacking the passion for the game, the French striker faced mounting pressure. His absence from training on consecutive days (h/t Diario AS), coupled with the deactivation of his Instagram account, added an air of mystery to the situation.

Karim also deactivated his Instagram account following the 5-2 loss against Cristiano’s side.

Head coach Marcelo Gallardo did not want to explain the case. The club’s fans and the local media have not liked the issue so much.

Saudi sports journalist Abdel Karim Al Jasser on the public channel Al-Ekhbariya stated: “He may disagree with the club but that doesn’t excuse him because he doesn’t make any effort. He wastes very easy chances and seems to have lost the desire to play football.”

While the exact reasons for Benzema’s recent actions remain unknown, fans have not shied away from expressing their disappointment, particularly citing his perceived underperformance in crucial matches. The striker’s statistics this season—12 goals and five assists in 20 games across all competitions—reflect a mixed bag of performances, further fueling the debate surrounding his contributions to the team.

With the increasing rumors of Benzema’s unhappiness in Saudi Arabia over the past months, several Real Madrid fans are calling on the club to bring the Frenchman back for at least a six-month loan deal.

As Benzema navigates this enigmatic phase in his career, questions linger about his future with Al-Ittihad and whether he can overcome the challenges that have come his way. The football world watches with intrigue as one of its most prolific strikers grapples with the highs and lows of a career that has taken an unexpected turn in the vibrant football landscape of Saudi Arabia.