Benzema’s Locker Room Controversy: Ex-Ahli Star Claims He Looked Down on Ittihad Teammates

Allegations from a Former Teammate

Abdel Rahim Al-Jizawi, the former Al-Ahli midfielder, alleges that Karim Benzema, now at Al-Hilal, "used to look down" on his Ittihad teammates. The claim adds a controversial note to Benzema’s Saudi spell and raises questions about locker room dynamics during his time with Ittihad.

Transfer Context and Club Decisions

Benzema’s move from Ittihad to Al-Hilal occurred on the final day of the winter transfer window. He reportedly left after feeling Ittihad was not keen to renew his contract, with a renewal offer described as modest, prompting his departure as the season neared its end.

Al-Jizawi stated on the show "Dourina Gheer" that Benzema’s behavior in the Ittihad dressing room was not favorable and that he could come across as condescending toward teammates, a dynamic he believes affected the squad’s morale.

He added that Ittihad’s willingness to part with him suggested the club did not want him to continue, and that the club eventually waived the remaining contract term to avoid ongoing friction with Benzema.

According to Al-Jizawi, the decision to release Benzema was justified by concerns about his conduct, especially as some players reportedly unfollowed him on social media to signal dissatisfaction with his attitude.

The ex-player, who has previously represented Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad, recalled that his most notable stint was with Al-Ahli between 2008 and 2013, underscoring how long his own career has intersected with Saudi football’s big clubs.

Punchlines: If ego were a jersey, Benzema would wear the full kit. And if the locker room had a trophy for drama, he’d already have a shelf full of them.