Karim Benzema, the French striker who plays for Al-Ittihad, has faced threats in Saudi Arabia following comments by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin about the footballer’s alleged associations. The remarks were cited by the player’s lawyer, Hugues Vigier, and reported by RMC Sports. The situation has drawn attention to how political statements can impact a public figure abroad and the safety concerns players may encounter off the field.
The lawyer emphasized that Darmanin’s public statements carry serious consequences. According to Vigier, Benzema has received hate messages and threats since the minister linked him to a terrorist organization. The player is currently based in Saudi Arabia for his professional duties, and the lawyer noted that the environment can become hostile when high ranking officials comment on a person’s alleged affiliations. The case underscores the tension that can arise when a national figure makes accusatory remarks about an international sports star.
On January 17, Benzema initiated legal action against Darmanin over remarks concerning the players alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood movement, which is banned in several jurisdictions. The move signals a legal boundary being drawn around political commentary directed at a public sports figure, and it highlights the growing role of athletes as figures in broader political debates. The lawsuit also raises questions about freedom of speech, responsibility, and the protection of individuals from online hostility sparked by official statements.
Earlier reports indicated Benzema departed from Saudi Arabia at the end of December, missing the final training sessions with Al Ittihad. The reasons for his absence were not made public, and upon returning from a break, he did not attend a team meeting, leading to a suspension that paused his involvement with the club. Such disruptions can ripple through a team’s planning and performance, especially given the player’s status as a key contributor in recent campaigns.
Since joining Al Ittihad in June 2023, Benzema has contributed significantly to the squad. In league play this season, he has appeared in 15 matches, delivering 9 goals and 5 assists. His output reflects a valuable attacking presence, helping to shape the team’s offensive strategy and overall competitiveness within the league. His influence on and off the field has been a subject of discussion among fans and analysts alike, particularly in the context of his long-standing stature in European football.
Looking back at Benzema’s career, the forward spent a substantial period with Real Madrid, aligning with the club for fourteen years. During that era, he helped the team secure multiple domestic titles, including four La Liga championships and three Copa del Rey trophies, as well as five UEFA Champions League triumphs. His achievements with Real Madrid solidified his reputation as one of the leading forwards of his generation and a central figure in European football. The move to Al Ittihad marked another chapter in a career defined by high levels of performance and ongoing adaptability to different leagues and styles of play.
Speculation about Benzema’s future with Al Ittihad has continued amid the suspension and ongoing discussions around the legal actions. Observers note that the situation illustrates the ways in which external political discourse can intersect with professional sports, influencing both public perception and the personal experience of athletes who are active on a global stage. The case remains a developing story as the involved parties navigate legal processes and the wider implications of public statements in sports diplomacy and international football.