Benzema Booed as He Warmed Up Sparks Saudi Clasico Tensions
21 February 2026
Benzema Booed as He Warms Up
Al Ittihad fans directed boos at Karim Benzema as he joined the warmups with Al Hilal ahead of the Clasico, underscoring the tense rivalry between the clubs.
Benzema had just joined Al Hilal in the winter transfer window after terminating his contract with Al Ittihad, triggering anger among Al Ittihad fans.
As the French star took the field for warmups, chants of disapproval echoed through the stands, underscoring the lingering tension between the two clubs and the symbolic weight of this rivalry.
The supporters voiced their displeasure with pointed chants, arguing that his move to the rival heightened the controversy around this clash, known for its historic significance to both fanbases.
In contrast, Benzema remained calm, focusing on the warmups and waiting to see what unfolds on the pitch, potentially writing a new chapter in his fraught relationship with his former supporters.
Clash Preview and Context
The Saudi Pro League Round 23 fixture pits Al Hilal against Al Ittihad, a historic derby that often decides momentum in the title race. The match is scheduled for February 21, 2026 at 20:00 local time in Saudi Arabia. Both clubs bring pride and a long memory to the battlefield, with this clash carrying symbolic weight for generations of fans.
Images in the article show team crests for both clubs, underscoring the intensity of the rivalry. This is a matchup watched closely by followers of the Saudi Pro League and beyond.
Bottom line: the scene is set for a dramatic night in the Kingdom, with Benzema at the center of a spectacle that blends football prowess with old-school club stubbornness.
And if you’re the kind of viewer who loves drama, this is the game where the ball seems to have its own opinions—and maybe a referee who forgot his coffee. If Benzema scores, expect banners to reappear louder than ever.
Punchline: If football were a sniper, this match would be a headshot of suspense — precise, unexpected, and a little merciful to my allergies to drama.
