Karim Benzema has brought doubts regarding his relationship with Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi back to the forefront, after visibly expressing frustration over being substituted during the team’s Saudi Pro League opening match against Al Faisaly.
The French striker opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 19th minute but did not finish the game. Inzaghi decided to substitute him in the 70th minute, bringing on young forward Mohamed Kader Meite in his place.
The Substitution Incident
Live broadcast cameras caught Benzema frowning the moment he realized he was being taken off. He walked to the bench with clear signs of anger, although there was no public altercation or direct confrontation with the Italian manager.
While it is common for attackers to be displeased about leaving the pitch, this specific reaction has gained significant attention due to previous reports of a rift between Benzema and Inzaghi dating back to the end of last season.
Underlying Tensions and Tactical Differences
According to recent press reports, Inzaghi previously asked the Al Hilal administration to sign a new world-class striker. The Italian coach reportedly believes the team needs a more mobile forward capable of executing his attacking philosophy, as he is not fully convinced that Benzema fits the tactical system he wishes to implement.
This situation prompted Al Hilal’s management to consider terminating the 38-year-old’s contract by mutual consent. However, negotiations stalled due to Benzema’s firm stance: he insists on receiving all remaining salaries and dues stipulated in his contract, which runs until June 2027, before agreeing to a settlement and choosing his next destination as a free agent.
Leadership and Locker Room Dynamics
Other reports have highlighted disagreements regarding the captain’s armband and the player’s authority within the squad. Benzema reportedly feels he is not receiving the respect and appreciation he expects. Meanwhile, Al Hilal’s management is adhering to a strict seniority policy, and Inzaghi prefers to limit the French striker’s role strictly to technical duties on the pitch.
Benzema’s Record at Al Hilal
Benzema joined Al Hilal on a free transfer from Al Ittihad in February 2026, signing a one-and-a-half-year deal. He started his journey strongly with a hat-trick against Al Akhdoud and finished his first season with 9 goals in 13 official appearances.
While the substitution incident alone is not enough to declare the relationship completely broken, it confirms that the atmosphere is far from ideal. This is especially notable given that Al Hilal ultimately secured a comfortable 4-2 victory over Al Faisaly, a convincing win that still did not prevent Benzema’s frustration from being clearly visible on camera.
