Saudi Arabia: Karim Benzema comes under fire

Karim Benzema slammed in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia: Karim Benzema comes under fire

Karim Benzema's move to Al-Hilal in the heart of the season continues to spark controversy in Saudi Arabia. Transferred this winter from Al-Ittihad, the Frenchman left a struggling club to join the league leaders—a decision some see as abandoning ship at the worst possible moment.

Among the harshest critics is Mohammed Noor, an Al-Ittihad legend, who didn't hold back during the Dawrina Gher show. Clearly frustrated, the former midfielder reminded everyone that Benzema had been backed despite his shaky start, emphasizing the loyalty of the fans and club during tough times.

In a lengthy tirade, Noor directly targeted the former Ballon d'Or winner:

"Benzema's first season at Al-Ittihad—what did he actually do? He did nothing, right? And the following season? He smashed it. But who really supported him? Who came to cheer him on? How many penalties did he miss with Al-Ittihad? After the first season, he missed five or six penalties. And what did the fans do? They backed him. They supported the whole team, and we won the league and the cup. Am I right or not? And after all that, now you come in the middle of the season and tell me you don't want to play for this team anymore? Who do you think you are, in the end? With all due respect to his career, what does he have that Ronaldo doesn’t? You can't even mention him in the same breath. He’s a nobody."