French politician Nadine Morano discussed the situation on C News, describing former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in strong terms as being used by certain groups as a propaganda voice for Hamas. The remarks reflect the highly charged intersection of sports personalities and geopolitical narratives that linger in public discourse, especially during periods of regional tension.
Benzema himself responded by posting on his social networks, where he expressed support for residents of Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli bombing campaigns. His message highlighted humanitarian concerns and the impact of conflict on civilians, a topic that often draws intense scrutiny from fans, media, and policymakers around the world.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict saw a renewed wave of escalation beginning on October 7, after a high-profile assault by the Hamas movement. This episode intensified international attention and prompted a flurry of diplomatic, humanitarian, and media responses as nations weighed responses and calls for de-escalation and renewed negotiations.
On June 6, Benzema left Real Madrid and signed with the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, with a contract running through 2026. In the prior season, he appeared in 23 league games, scoring 18 goals and recording 3 assists. Real Madrid finished second in La Liga and clinched the Copa del Rey that season, while Benzema had previously earned the Ballon d’Or in 2022, a testament to his peak performance and influence in European football during that period.
In the Saudi Professional League, Benzema played seven matches and added three goals in the subsequent campaign, contributing to Al-Ittihad’s competitive showing in the league. The career move marked a notable shift for a player who had long been associated with Spanish football, illustrating how top players transition to new leagues and broader regional sports markets as their careers evolve and as clubs seek to capitalize on global talent pools.