Karim Benzema: A Complete Biography of the Legendary Striker
Karim Benzema is one of the most accomplished footballers of the modern era. From his early days in Lyon, France, to his legendary tenure at Real Madrid, and now his move to Al-Ittihad, Benzema’s career has been filled with extraordinary achievements, challenges, and personal milestones.
Early Life and Family
Karim Mostafa Benzema was born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France. He is of Algerian descent, with his family originating from Tigzirt, Algeria.
His parents, Hafid Benzema and Wahida Djebbara, raised him alongside his eight siblings, including Gressy and Sabri, who also pursued football careers.
Standing 1.85m (6 ft 1 in) tall, Benzema grew up in a devout Muslim household and continues to observe Ramadan during the football season.
Key Facts About His Early Life
- Full Name: Karim Mostafa Benzema
- Birthplace: Lyon, France
- Nationality: French (of Algerian descent)
- Religion: Islam
- Siblings: 8, including Gressy and Sabri
- Youth Academy: Olympique Lyonnais (joined in 1997)
Football Career: From Lyon to Real Madrid and Beyond
Lyon (2004–2009)
Benzema joined the Olympique Lyonnais academy in 1997 and made his professional debut in 2004. He quickly became a key player, helping Lyon secure four consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2004 to 2008.
During the 2007–08 season, he was the Ligue 1 top scorer with 31 goals in all competitions, earning the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award.
Real Madrid (2009–2023)
In 2009, Benzema transferred to Real Madrid for €35 million. After initial struggles, he became a core member of the squad, forming an iconic attacking trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale (BBC Trio).
At Madrid, he won 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 4 La Liga titles, and numerous domestic and international trophies. He became the second all-time top scorer for the club, scoring 354 goals in 648 games. In 2022, he was awarded the Ballon d’Or.
Al-Ittihad (2023–Present)
In 2023, Benzema signed a €200 million contract with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and was named team captain. Although there have been reports of him wanting to leave, he continues to play a vital role for the club.
Key Career Highlights
- Total Club Goals: 450+
- International Caps: 97
- International Goals: 37
- Ballon d’Or: 2022 Winner
- UEFA Champions League Titles: 5
- La Liga Titles: 4
- FIFA Club World Cups: 5
International Career with France
Benzema debuted for the French national team in 2007 and played in Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Due to off-field controversies, he was excluded from the 2018 World Cup squad but made a strong comeback for Euro 2020, finishing as France’s top scorer. He was forced to miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to injury and announced his retirement from international football in December 2022.
Personal Life and Relationships
Benzema has been in several high-profile relationships.
Who is Karim Benzema’s Wife?
- Chloé de Launay – Former partner and mother of his daughter, Mélia.
- Cora Gauthier – His ex-wife and mother of his son, Ibrahim.
- Jordan Ozuna – His current partner, an American model who converted to Islam in 2023.
Other Relationships & Rumors
- Dated Rihanna in 2015.
- Linked to Ana Montana and Analicia Chaves.
Net Worth, Salary, and Sponsorships
Benzema is one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. His current earnings at Al-Ittihad exceed €200 million per year, contributing to his estimated net worth of $100–150 million.
Endorsements
- Adidas (main sponsor)
- Jean Paul Gaultier (luxury endorsements)
Controversies and Challenges
Benzema has faced multiple controversies throughout his career, including:
- His exclusion from the French national team due to involvement in a blackmail scandal with Mathieu Valbuena.
- Feud with Didier Deschamps, leading to his absence from the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Reports of him snubbing Kylian Mbappé in a voting process for France Football.
- A public fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo, which he later clarified was exaggerated by the media.
Legacy and Influence
Benzema is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, admired for his playmaking, finishing, and leadership skills.
Why is Benzema a Football Icon?
- Second all-time top scorer for Real Madrid.
- Multiple UEFA Champions League & La Liga titles.
- 2022 Ballon d’Or winner.
- Inspiration to young players of Algerian and French descent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How old is Karim Benzema? – He is 37 years old (born December 19, 1987).
- Where is Karim Benzema from? – Lyon, France, with Algerian roots.
- How many Ballon d’Or awards has Karim Benzema won? – 1 (2022).
- What team does Benzema play for now? – Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia).
- Why did Karim Benzema leave Real Madrid? – He moved for a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia.
- Has Benzema won the World Cup? – No, he was not in the 2018 winning squad.
- What is Karim Benzema current salary? – €200 million per year.
- Who is Karim Benzema current girlfriend? – Jordan Ozuna.
- What is Karim Benzema Instagram handle? – @karim.benzema.
- Why did Karim Benzema retire from international football? – Due to injuries and conflicts with the national team.
Conclusion
Karim Benzema’s journey from a young boy in Lyon to a Real Madrid legend and now a top player in Saudi Arabia showcases his resilience, skill, and determination.
Despite facing controversies, he has cemented his place among football’s greatest strikers and continues to inspire future generations. His goal-scoring records, Ballon d’Or win, and leadership skills ensure that his name will be remembered in football history.