Karim Benzema is a football player who currently plays for Real Madrid and the French national team. He was born on 19th December 1987 in Lyon, France.
He has been one of the most dangerous players in Europe for years, combining skill and power with pace.
Benzema is a widely celebrated figure amongst Real Madrid fans.
The Frenchman has displayed incredible scoring instincts and playmaking abilities over the years.
Earning him not only their respect but also widespread admiration from other sportsmen.
In this article, we look at the biography, history, career and networth of one of Europe best striker.
Biography
Karim Benzema began his football career at the age of eight with Bron Terraillon SC where he was nicknamed Coco.
After scoring two goals in an under 10-match against Lyon’s academy, Benzema attracted bigger clubs around him and became one of France’s most wanted players.
In school, Karim Benzema was described by his teachers as a student who maintained an air of discretion and respect.
The young striker linked up with the renowned Lyon club after several consultations, his father being an ex-ballboy who served in that capacity for many years.
Karim Benzema Parents
Benzema’s family is from France, and they have Algerian roots as well. His grandfather lived in Algeria before moving to Lyon where he made his home for over 50 years.
Benzema’s father, Hafid Benzema was born in Algeria while his mother Wahida Djebbara grew up and loved in Lyon.
Karim Benzema Siblings
Benzema is the third youngest in his family, and has eight siblings. His brothers Gressy and Sabri are also footballers who played professional football.
Gressy is working his way up through the amateur ranks of French football with Vaulx-le-Velin, while Sabri plays for a youth club in Bron.
The Benzema siblings are a dynamic bunch. The older ones include: Farid (brother), Laeticia, Celia, Lydia and Sofia.
Karim Benzema Wife
Benzema has been in several relationships. From 2010 to 2013, he was dating Manon Marsault.
Then He later began dating French nurse Chloe De Launay who birthed their daughter Melia on February 3rd.
When she met Karim Benzema, Chloe De Launay was living on Reunion Island in 2009.
They began dating and just later in February 2014, their first child together arrived – a daughter named Mélia.
In 2016, Benzema dated Analicia Chaves but they later broke up.
French international next relationship was with Cora Gauthier, who also gave birth to his son Ibrahim, on 25 May 2017.
The Spanish soccer star is a practicing Muslim and he’s known for his observance of the holy month of Ramadan.
Career
Lyon
When you’re a precocious talent, it pays to be noticed. Benzema joined the youth academy at Lyon after they showed interest in him while he was still with Bron Terraillon SC.
He quickly ascended to become one of the most well-known youth figures in the academy.
With the Lyon senior team, he was their ballboy and performed well enough to be promoted ahead of his first professional season.
The 2004-05 season was the first time that Benzema made a senior appearance for Lyon.
They won three titles in his three seasons with them, which is a remarkable feat for the then young striker.
He was a key member of the team that led Lyon to its seventh straight league title, and he promptly took it one step further by scoring over 30 goals in 2007-08.
For achieving this feat, Benzema was been named the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Ligue 1 Player of the Year and given many other prestigious awards.
Real Madrid
In July 2009, Benzema finally made the move from Lyon to Real Madrid. In a transfer fee worth over €35 million ($50 million), he signed up for six years with Los Blancos.
Benzema had a difficult time in his first season with the club, but after some time, he was able to establish himself as part of Madrid’s success.
He won both the Copa del Rey and the La Liga title in the 2011-12 Season, scoring 32 goals.
Benzema has been a favourite of french fans for his performances on the field, and was named Player Of the Year three times in 2011-2012-2014.
Benzema was called up to the Real Madrid’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2016 and he didn’t disappoint.
The Frenchman scored late against América, helping his team secure a 2-0 victory that allowed them advancement into their first final of 2016.
Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the FIFA Club World Cup final for Real Madrid and also assisted Ronaldo.
Real Madrid won 4-2 in extra time after playing out a 2-2 draw in normal time.
It was Benzema’s 10th title and it made him the joint-second topscorer in the competition, bagging two goals in two matches.
In the first leg of 2016–17 UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Napoli,Benzema scored Real Madrid’s first goal in a 3-1 home win.
This was his 51st goal in the competition and this saw him overtake Thierry Henry as the all time top scorer.
Karim Benzema was a vital part of Madrid’s success in the 2016-2017 season again.
He started every game he could and ended up scoring eleven goals to help his team win La Liga as well as another Champions League title together again.
Style of play
He is one of the best forwards in Europe and it’s easy to see why.
Benzema has excellent technical skills, can score goals from distance or inside the box with both feet (though prefers using his right).
He possesses strong dribbling ability which makes him a very difficult opponent for defenders, because they don’t know where he will put his next move.
Benzema is a well-rounded player, who can play in several positions. He has been deployed at different positions over his career.
He has the ability to play any position on both wings and is an all-round forward.
He can provide assists for teammates with his vision, creativity in midfield as well as hold up defenders when needed the most.
Networth
Karim Benzema is one of the most well-known football stars in France, with his net worth estimated at 40 Million Dollars.
Earning £350,000 per week, Karim currently has an estimated market value of 25 million pounds.
He’s number 284 among all players worldwide.
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