withdrawal rollback vbet-rapant-mcelroy.com

French footballer (born 1987)

Karim Mostafa Benzema (born 19 December 1987) is a French professional footballer who plays as a striker 💋 for and captains Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. Regarded as one of the best strikers of all time, he is 💋 a creative forward known for his technical skills, vision and versatility on the field,[4][5][6] Benzema is Real Madrid's all-time second-highest 💋 goalscorer and top assist provider.[7] He won 24 trophies with Real Madrid, including four La Liga, three Copa del Rey, 💋 and five UEFA Champions League titles.

Born in Lyon to parents of Algerian descent, Benzema began his career with hometown club 💋 Olympique Lyonnais in 2005, contributing sporadically to three Ligue 1 title wins. In 2008, he was named the league's Player 💋 of the Year and in the Team of the Year having finished as the league's top goalscorer and winning his 💋 fourth league title and first Coupe de France. In 2009, Benzema was the subject of a then-French record football transfer 💋 when he joined Real Madrid in a deal worth €35 million. After struggling to establish himself in his debut season, 💋 he eventually achieved a consistent goalscoring rate with the club, notably being part of a highly rated trio alongside Cristiano 💋 Ronaldo and Gareth Bale — dubbed BBC — who were integral to four Champions League wins from 2014 to 2024.

Following 💋 Ronaldo's departure in 2024, Benzema transitioned from the false 9 position into a sole striker. He was named in the 💋 La Liga Team of the Season for four consecutive years from 2024 to 2024, won La Liga Best Player twice 💋 and the Pichichi Trophy for the first time in 2024. Benzema finished as Champions League top scorer as he won 💋 his fifth title in 2024, and subsequently captained the club in his final season before signing for Al-Ittihad the following 💋 year.

A French international, Benzema won the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and made his senior debut for France in 2007, 💋 at age 19. He earned 97 caps, including scoring in three and appearing in four major tournaments, and ranks as 💋 France's sixth-highest all-time top goalscorer. Benzema was controversially left out of the squad for the 2010 World Cup and did 💋 not play for France for over five years after being implicated in a blackmailing scandal in 2024; he later returned 💋 to the squad before announcing his international retirement in December 2024. He has been named French Player of the Year 💋 by France Football four times. For his performances in 2024 and 2024, Benzema was awarded the UEFA Player of the 💋 Year and the Ballon d'Or, becoming the fifth French player to have won the Ballon d'Or.[8] At 34 years and 💋 302 days old, he is the third-oldest winner of the award.

Club career

Early career

Benzema began his football career at his hometown 💋 club Bron Terraillon SC at the age of eight. While at the club, he was nicknamed Coco by friends and, 💋 after scoring two goals in an under-10 match against the Lyon youth academy, began attracting attention from the biggest club 💋 in the city.[9][10] According to Serge Santa Cruz, who was president of Bron Terraillon in the 1990s, Lyon officials had 💋 visited him directly in an attempt to sign the youngster; however, Santa Cruz refused.[11] After talking with Benzema's father, the 💋 club allowed the player to undergo a trial with Lyon.[11] Following the trial, Benzema officially joined Lyon and was inserted 💋 into the club's academy.[12]

Lyon

Benzema quickly ascended up the youth categories in the academy. He served as a ballboy during Lyon 💋 senior team matches and performed well in school being described as a student who was "discreet and respectful".[11][13] At under-16 💋 level, Benzema scored 38 goals in the Championnat National des 16 ans, the domestic league for under-16 youth players in 💋 France.[14] Ahead of the 2004–05 season, Benzema was promoted to the club's reserve team, which was playing in the Championnat 💋 de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Despite only playing with the team during the autumn campaign, he 💋 scored a team-high ten goals as the Lyon reserve team finished second in its group.[15]

2004–2007: Breakthrough and three league titles

Benzema 💋 was called up to the senior team for the first time under manager Paul Le Guen during the break leading 💋 up to the second half of the season. As is customary with new players arriving at Lyon, the young striker 💋 had to stand up and speak to his new teammates, which at that time included the likes of Michael Essien, 💋 Sylvain Wiltord, Florent Malouda and Eric Abidal.[16] While speaking, Benzema was subjected to jokes and laughter, which prompted the youngster 💋 to declare, "Do not laugh, I'm here to take your place."[16] He made his professional debut on 15 January 2005 💋 against Metz, appearing as a substitute for Pierre-Alain Frau. Lyon won the match 2–0 as Benzema provided the assist of 💋 the second goal scored by Bryan Bergougnoux.[10][17] He signed his first professional contract the same month, agreeing to a three-year 💋 deal.[18] After making three more appearances as a substitute, on 2 April Benzema made his first professional start in a 💋 1–0 win over Lens.[19] He finished the campaign with six appearances as Lyon won their fourth-straight league title.

Benzema began the 💋 2005–06 season under the tutelage of new manager Gérard Houllier. Under Houllier, he struggled for meaningful minutes due to the 💋 presence of newly signed Brazilian striker Fred, as well as Sylvain Wiltord. Benzema made his season debut on 2 October 💋 2005 in a league win over Rennes, appearing as a substitute.[20] On 6 December, he made his UEFA Champions League 💋 debut in Lyon's final group stage match against Norwegian club Rosenborg. On his competition debut, he scored his first professional 💋 goal in a 2–1 win.[21] A month later, Benzema scored his first professional double in a 4–0 win over Grenoble 💋 in the Coupe de France.[22] On 4 March 2006, Benzema scored his first professional league goal against Ajaccio in a 💋 3–1 win.[23]

Benzema began earning more playing time in the 2006–07 season and made his competitive season debut in the 2006 💋 Trophée des Champions against Paris Saint-Germain. In the French Supercup, Benzema converted a penalty which drew the match at 1–1. 💋 Lyon later won the league curtain-raiser 5–4 on penalties.[24] Benzema opened the league campaign on a quick note scoring in 💋 the team's first match of the season against Nantes.[25] Three weeks later, on 26 August 2006, Benzema appeared as a 💋 substitute and scored two goals in a 4–1 away win over Nice.[26] He also converted two goals in the Champions 💋 League group stage against Romanian outfit Steaua București and Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv.[27][28] After appearing regularly during the autumn campaign, 💋 on 10 November, Benzema suffered a severe thigh injury.[29] The injury resulted in the striker missing three months of action 💋 before returning in February 2007. Benzema failed to score a goal until the final league match of the season against 💋 Nantes as Lyon recorded its sixth consecutive league title.[30]

2007–2009: Club talisman

For the 2007–08 season, with Florent Malouda, John Carew and 💋 Sylvain Wiltord all departing from the club, Benzema switched to the number 10 shirt and was inserted into the lead 💋 striker role. After forming a special relationship with new manager Alain Perrin, he responded with 31 goals in 51 games. 💋 He topped the league with 20 goals, scored four goals in the Champions League, one in the Coupe de la 💋 Ligue and totaled six goals in six Coupe de France matches, helping Lyon win their first ever double.[31] Some of 💋 his more dazzling performances that season included a hat-trick against Metz on 15 September,[32] an equalizing goal in the 90th 💋 minute from a free kick against Derby du Rhône rivals Saint-Étienne,[33] and a goal against Lens that was nominated for 💋 goal of the season by fans.

In the Champions League, Benzema scored an important double against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium on 💋 the last match day of the group stage. The 3–0 victory assured Lyon progression to the knockout rounds.[34] In the 💋 knockout rounds, Lyon faced Manchester United and Benzema continued to score, this time it was from outside the penalty box 💋 in the first leg match which ended in a 1–1 draw[35] and United eventually won the tie 1–2 on aggregate. 💋 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and players praised Benzema for his performance.[36] Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas later accused 💋 Ferguson of tapping-up Benzema.[37]

On 13 March 2008, Benzema extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a one-year extension option.[38] 💋 After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France.[39] For his efforts that season, 💋 he was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, selected to the Team of the Year and awarded the 💋 Trophée du Meilleur Buteur for being the league's top scorer.[40][41] He won the 2008 Bravo Award given to the most 💋 outstanding young footballer playing in Europe,[42] and was also shortlisted by French magazine France Football for the 2008 Ballon d'Or 💋 award,[43] eventually won by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema got off to a good start for the 2008–09 season, scoring twice in Lyon's 💋 opening league match against Toulouse.[44] The following three weeks, he scored goals against Rhône-Alpes rivals Grenoble[45] and Saint-Étienne[46] and scored 💋 a goal against Nice, converting a penalty in the dying seconds.[47] Lyon won all three matches. As a result of 💋 his early goals, Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas quelled the many transfer rumors surrounding Benzema by placing a €100 million 💋 price tag on the striker. He was also nominated alongside Franck Ribéry to be featured on the French cover of 💋 the video game FIFA 09.[48]

Benzema during a training session with Lyon in 2008

He scored his seventh goal of the league 💋 on 29 October, scoring in the 2–0 win over Sochaux. Benzema scored again the following weekend in a 2–0 win 💋 over Le Mans.[49] He was among the top scorers in the Champions League group stage, scoring five goals,[50] a double 💋 against Steaua București,[51] two goals in two matches against Fiorentina,[52][53] and a goal against the eventual group winners Bayern Munich 💋 on the final match day.[54]

Following the winter break, Benzema endured a rough patch going scoreless the first three games before 💋 recording his 11th goal of the season against Nice in a 3–1 victory.[55] Two weeks later, he scored his 12th 💋 goal against Nancy in a 2–0 victory.[56] The next nine matches, both Benzema and Lyon's form dwindled losing four matches, 💋 drawing three and winning only two with Benzema scoring only two goals in that stretch, both of them against Le 💋 Mans in a 3–1 victory.[57] The bad form resulted in Lyon losing their grip on first-place position and eventually falling 💋 out of the title race, thus ending their streak of seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles.[58] Benzema was a part of 💋 four of those title runs.

Despite losing the title, Benzema got back on track scoring his 15th and 16th goals of 💋 the season on 17 May in a 3–1 away victory over rivals Marseille, the first goal being a penalty.[59] He 💋 scored his 17th goal the following weekend against Caen in a 3–1 victory moving him into third place among Ligue 💋 1 top scorers.[60]

Real Madrid

2009–10: Transfer and adapting to Spain

On 1 July 2009, it was announced that Lyon had reached an 💋 agreement with Spanish club Real Madrid for the transfer of Benzema. The transfer fee was priced at €35 million with 💋 the fee rising to as much as €41 million based on incentives.[61][62][63][64] On 9 July, Benzema successfully passed his medical 💋 and signed his contract, a six-year deal, later that afternoon.[65] He was presented officially as a Real Madrid player later 💋 that night at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, similarly to the previous signings of Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo.[66] Benzema made his 💋 Real Madrid debut on 20 July in the club's opening pre-season friendly against Irish team Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, appearing 💋 as a half-time substitute.[67] He scored the lone goal in the club's 1–0 win, scoring in the 87th minute.[68] On 💋 24 August, Benzema netted two goals in Real Madrid's 4–0 victory over Norwegian club Rosenborg in an annual friendly tournament 💋 organized for the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy.[69] The goals brought his total tally in the pre-season with Real Madrid to five, 💋 making him the joint top scorer alongside fellow striker Raúl.[70]

Benzema made his league debut for Madrid on 29 August 2009 💋 against Deportivo La Coruña. He started the match, but was substituted out in the second half as Madrid won 3–2.[71] 💋 A month later, he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–0 victory against newly promoted Xerez.[72] After 💋 missing the mid-week match against Villarreal, against Tenerife at the weekend, Benzema scored his first double for Madrid in a 💋 3–0 home victory.[73] He made his Champions League debut for the club on 30 September in a group stage tie 💋 against Marseille.[74] After failing to score a goal in the month of October, in the team's first match in November 💋 against Italian club Milan in the Champions League, Benzema scored the opener to give Madrid a 1–0 lead. His goal 💋 was later cancelled out by a Ronaldinho penalty.[75]

Benzema playing against Marseille in a 2009 Champions League match

In late November, Benzema 💋 began appearing mainly as a substitute as manager Manuel Pellegrini preferred Gonzalo Higuaín in the lead striker role. To coincide 💋 with his benching, the striker was also being criticized by the Spanish media for his under-performance and difficulties settling in 💋 the country as he had not yet begun learning the Spanish language.[76][77] He was even declared the "new Anelka" by 💋 a Spanish newspaper Marca blogger, referring to former Real Madrid striker Nicolas Anelka who had a tumultuous year at the 💋 club before being sold.[78] Benzema was defended by his compatriot Zinedine Zidane, who admitted "after two months, I was also 💋 criticized" and that Benzema was "a talented player and talented players in Madrid must win".[79]

On 5 December, Benzema appeared as 💋 a substitute for Rafael van der Vaart and scored the third goal in a 6–0 romp of Almería.[80] The day 💋 after the match against Almería, Benzema responded to the criticism by stating, "I am totally integrated and very happy at 💋 Real Madrid", and, "Yes, I have improved my adaptation. I have a new home and I'm learning Spanish to understand 💋 myself better with my teammates."[81] After nearly a month coming off of the bench, he started alongside Higuaín away to 💋 Valencia on 12 December.[82] A week later, Benzema returned to the bench. Following an injury to Higuaín in early January 💋 2010, Pellegrini inserted Benzema back into the starting lineup.[83] After failing to score in his first two starts in the 💋 absence of Higuaín, against Deportivo La Coruña on 30 January, he scored a double in an important 3–1 away win.[84][85] 💋 Following the return of Higuaín, Benzema was relegated back to a substitute's role and finished the campaign by making eight 💋 consecutive appearances off the bench. Included in one of those appearances was his final goal of the season against Athletic 💋 Bilbao in a 5–1 win.[86]

2010–11: First-team mainstay

Benzema playing in a league match against Villarreal in 2011

Ahead of the 2010–11 season, 💋 Benzema switched to the number 9 shirt as Real Madrid were under the tutelage of new incoming manager José Mourinho. 💋 The striker immediately drew the ire of Mourinho who declared to reporters during a pre-season media session that "Benzema must 💋 understand that he is extremely talented, but that in itself is not enough", while also stating that "[Madrid] need a 💋 striker who is sparky, not one that is listless".[87] Mourinho sentiments were later echoed by incoming France national team coach 💋 Laurent Blanc who acknowledged that Benzema was "not used to working".[88] Blanc also stated that the striker needed to shed 💋 weight in order to fulfill his potential.[89]

Due to Mourinho preferring Ronaldo and Higuaín as his forwards,[88] Benzema began the campaign 💋 as a substitute coming off the bench in the team's opening league match of the season against Mallorca.[90] Following the 💋 September international break, he made his first start in a 1–0 win over Osasuna.[91] On 21 September, Benzema made a 💋 substitute appearance and scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 home win against Espanyol.[92] Afterwards, the striker 💋 failed to score a domestic goal for nearly two months.[citation needed]

Benzema celebrating a goal against Espanyol in 2010

On 10 November, 💋 Benzema scored his second goal of the campaign against Real Murcia in the 2010–11 edition of the Copa del Rey.[93] 💋 In late November, Benzema was inserted into the starting eleven following a severe back injury to Higuaín, along with the 💋 team's lack of senior strikers. In his first match since being inserted into the starting lineup permanently, he scored his 💋 first Champions League goal of the season in a group stage fixture against Dutch club Ajax.[94] In Madrid's final group 💋 stage tie against French outfit Auxerre, Benzema scored his first hat trick for the club in a 4–0 win. The 💋 first goal he scored was Real Madrid's 300th goal in the Champions League era.[95][96] Two weeks later, Benzema converted another 💋 hat trick, this time in an 8–0 thrashing of Levante in the Copa del Rey.[97] In late January, for the 💋 first time in his Real Madrid career, Benzema scored goals in back-to-back matches. On 23 January, he scored the only 💋 goal in a 1–0 win at home against Mallorca.[98] Three days later, Benzema repeated his efforts scoring the only goal 💋 in a win over Sevilla in the first leg of the team's Copa del Rey semi-final tie.[99] Real Madrid later 💋 advanced to its 37th Copa del Rey final in club history after beating Sevilla 2–0 in the second leg.[100]

Following the 💋 arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor on loan, Benzema went unused in two consecutive league matches in February 2011. He returned to 💋 the starting lineup on 19 February and embarked on a run in which he scored ten goals in eight matches. 💋 Included in those ten goals were doubles in three straight matches against Málaga, Racing de Santander and Hércules, as well 💋 as a goal in the first leg of Madrid's Round of 16 tie against former club Lyon.[101][102][103] The strike against 💋 his hometown club was the 100th goal of his professional career, and also the first goal for Real Madrid at 💋 the Stade de Gerland in six years, though despite the honours associated with netting the goal, Benzema did not celebrate 💋 out of respect for his former club.[104]

Benzema playing in a league match against Almería in 2011

On 19 March, he scored 💋 the opener in the El Derbi madrileño as Real Madrid went on to win the match 2–1.[105] Despite his form, 💋 Benzema appeared in only one of the four highly anticipated matches against El Clásico rivals Barcelona, in which the two 💋 clubs met in the league, the 2011 Copa del Rey Final and the Champions League knockout stage. In between those 💋 clashes, on 23 April 2011, Benzema scored a goal in a 6–3 win over Valencia.[106] On 30 April, he scored 💋 a goal in the team's 3–2 loss to Real Zaragoza.[107] It was the only match of the campaign that Real 💋 Madrid lost, in which Benzema scored. To close out the campaign, Benzema scored another double in an 8–1 win over 💋 Almería.[108] He finished the campaign second on the team behind Ronaldo with 26 goals as Real Madrid captured the Copa 💋 del Rey giving Benzema his first honour with the club.[109] For his performances during the campaign, particularly during the second 💋 half, Benzema was praised by Mourinho, club officials Florentino Pérez and Emilio Butragueño, as well as national team manager Laurent 💋 Blanc.[110][111][112]

2011–12: First La Liga championship

Prior to the start of the 2011–12 season, Benzema, taking the advice of compatriots Blanc and 💋 Zidane,[113][114] ventured to Merano, Italy, to attend a high performance clinic where he underwent treatment to reduce his weight.[115] The 💋 spell at the clinic was ultimately a success after the striker arrived at pre-season 8 kilograms (18 lb) lighter.[115] While 💋 at the clinic, Benzema also underwent physical training to build up his muscle mass.[115] The striker was impressive in the 💋 pre-season scoring eight goals in seven matches.[116] His performances during the pre-season resulted in Mourinho naming him the starting lead 💋 striker for the new campaign. Mourinho was later credited with Benzema's transformation,[117] but denied full responsibility and, instead, gave credit 💋 to the striker himself.[118]

In the second leg of the 2011 Supercopa de España against Barcelona, and with Madrid trailing 4–3 💋 on aggregate late in the match, Benzema scored the equalizing goal to even the tie at 4–4. However, six minutes 💋 later, a Lionel Messi strike gave Barcelona the supercup.[119] In the team's second league match of the season against Getafe, 💋 Benzema scored a double in a 4–2 victory.[120] After going goalless in three consecutive league matches, he scored his third 💋 league goal of the campaign against Rayo Vallecano in a 4–2 win.[121] In the team's ensuing match against Ajax in 💋 the Champions League, Benzema scored Madrid's third goal in a 3–0 home win.[122] In the club's next Champions League match 💋 against Lyon, Benzema scored again by netting the opener in a 4–0 win against Lyon.[123]

Benzema training ahead of a Champions 💋 League match in 2012

In November 2011, Benzema scored five goals; three in the league and two in Europe. In the 💋 league, he converted his three goals in wins over Osasuna and Valencia, while he scored his two Champions League goals 💋 in a 6–2 group stage win over Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.[124][125][126] On 10 December 2011, Benzema scored the opener in 💋 Madrid's 3–1 defeat to Barcelona in the El Clásico.[127] The goal, scored just 21 seconds into the match, was the 💋 fastest goal ever scored in a match between the two rivals.[128] Three days after his record-breaking goal, for his performances 💋 during the 2011 calendar year, Benzema was named the France Football French Player of the Year, beating out Barcelona defender 💋 Eric Abidal and Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.[129] He became only the second French player based in Spain to win the 💋 award, and also the second Real Madrid player to capture it. Zidane was the first to achieve both honorable mentions. 💋 Benzema expressed gratitude at winning the award, stating, "It is a pleasure to win an individual trophy. When I see 💋 the previous winners – Zidane, Henry and other major players – it makes me proud to join them on the 💋 list."[130] In the team's next match after winning the award, against Sevilla, Benzema assisted two goals in a 6–2 triumph.[131]

Benzema 💋 opened the 2012 portion of the campaign in positive form. He scored goals against Granada and Málaga.[132] Benzema scored against 💋 the latter club in the Copa del Rey in each leg of the Round of 16.[133][134] The 4–2 aggregate win 💋 advanced Real Madrid to the quarter-finals where the club faced Barcelona. After failing to score in the first leg, which 💋 ended 2–1 in favour of Barça,[135] in the second leg on 25 January 2012, Benzema scored his third goal of 💋 the season against the Blaugrana, but Madrid failed to win the tie losing 4–3 on aggregate.[136] On 12 February, Benzema 💋 scored his first league goal in over a month against Levante.[137] A week later, he scored a double in a 💋 4–0 shutout of Racing Santander.[138] On 24 March, Benzema scored two goals in a league win over Real Sociedad.[139] The 💋 two goals made him the top French scorer in La Liga history surpassing Zidane.[140] Three days later, Benzema scored another 💋 double in a 3–0 first leg away win over Cypriot team APOEL in the Champions League quarter-finals.[141] On 29 April, 💋 Benzema put in a masterful performance scoring two goals and assisting another in a 3–0 win over Sevilla. The double 💋 was his seventh of the season and allowed Madrid to close in on its first Primera Division title in four 💋 years.[142] Los Blancos captured their 32nd league title the following week cruising to a 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao.[143] Benzema 💋 appeared as a second-half substitute in the match.[144]

2012–2024: Sustained continental success

On the first matchday of the Champions League, Benzema scored 💋 an equalizer against Manchester City in 3–2 win at Santiago Bernabéu. On 4 October 2012, Benzema scored a bicycle kick 💋 goal off a cross by Kaká in a 4–1 win against Ajax in Amsterdam.[145] On 18 December, one day before 💋 his 25th birthday, his fine form saw him earn the award for best French footballer of 2012, for the second 💋 year running.[146] On 2 March 2013, Benzema opened the scoring against Barcelona in the league game at the Santiago Bernabéu. 💋 Real went on to win the game 2–1, the second time they beat Barcelona in a week.

Ahead of the 2013–14 💋 season, Benzema became part of a trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and newly signed Gareth Bale — dubbed BBC.[147] Benzema started 💋 the season by scoring in a 2–1 win over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu.[148] After four matches without scoring 💋 (two with Real Madrid and two with France), he returned to goal-scoring form by netting twice in a 6–1 away 💋 win over Galatasaray in Champions League.[149] On 18 January 2014, he scored his 100th goal for Madrid in a 5–0 💋 victory at Real Betis.[150] On 23 March, Benzema scored two goals against fierce rivals Barcelona in El Clásico at the 💋 Bernabéu from two crosses by Ángel Di María, taking his goal tally in La Liga to 17 goals, though Barcelona 💋 won the match 4–3.[151]

Benzema playing for Real Madrid in 2024

Benzema was part of Real Madrid's starting eleven in the 2014 💋 Copa del Rey Final on 16 April at the Mestalla Stadium, and assisted Di María's opening goal before Gareth Bale 💋 hit the winner for Madrid in a 2–1 victory.[152] One week later, on 23 April, Benzema scored the only goal 💋 of the game to win the first leg of a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, 1–0.[153] The club went 💋 on to win the final in May. Real Madrid's attacking trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano, dubbed "BBC", finished the 💋 season with 97 goals.[154]

On 6 August 2014, Real Madrid announced that Benzema had signed a new five-year deal that will 💋 keep him at the club until 2024.[155] On 12 August 2014, Benzema played the whole 90 minutes in Real Madrid's 💋 2–0 win against Sevilla in Cardiff to claim the UEFA Super Cup. On 16 September, Benzema scored Real Madrid's 1,000th 💋 goal in European competition after netting a goal in a 5–1 victory over FC Basel in the first match of 💋 the Champions League group stage.[156] He scored the winning goal in Real Madrid's 2–1 away victory against Ludogorets Razgrad in 💋 the Champions League after coming on as a second-half substitute.[157] The next weekend, he scored a brace in the 5–0 💋 victory against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.[158] In 2014, Benzema won France Football's award for French Player of the Year 💋 for the third time; only Thierry Henry has won this award on more occasions.[159]

Benzema was chosen as La Liga Player 💋 of the Month for October 2014, with his manager Carlo Ancelotti winning the equivalent award. He scored three of Real 💋 Madrid's 13 goals of the month, in which they won three matches and only conceded just one goal.[160] On 8 💋 December 2024, Benzema scored a hat trick in an 8–0 thrashing against Malmö FF.[161] On 20 December, he scored another 💋 hat trick in a 10–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.[162] He was a regular starter when the team won the 2024–16 💋 UEFA Champions League.[163]

2024–2024: European threepeat and second league title

Benzema with Cristina Cifuentes during the 2024 Champions League title celebrations in 💋 Madrid

In December 2024, Benzema was called up in Real Madrid's squad for 2024 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.[164] In 💋 the semi-final match against América on 15 December, Benzema scored in the last moments of the first half, helping the 💋 team to progress in the final by winning 2–0.[165] In the final three days later against Kashima Antlers, Benzema opened 💋 the score in the 9th minute, and also assisted Ronaldo's second goal, as Real Madrid won 4–2 in extra time 💋 after the regular time finished 2–2 to claim their second title.[166] It was Benzema's tenth title with Real Madrid, and 💋 finished the competition as joint-second topscorer with two goals in two matches.[167]

On 15 February 2024, in the first leg of 💋 2024–17 UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Napoli, Benzema scored Real Madrid's first goal in an eventual 3–1 home 💋 win, which was his 51st goal in this competition, overtaking Thierry Henry on the list of all-time Champions League top 💋 scorers.[168] It was his first goal in six matches and for this performance he was voted Man of the Match.[169] 💋 He was a regular starter, and scored the last goal of the season which gave him eleven for the campaign, 💋 when Madrid won the 2024–17 La Liga[170][171] and the 2024–17 UEFA Champions League.[172]

On 20 September 2024, Benzema signed a contract 💋 extension that will keep him at the club until 2024.[173] Later on 6 March of the following year, Benzema made 💋 his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance by playing in the 2–1 win at Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain in 💋 the second leg of 2024–18 UEFA Champions League round of 16 as Real Madrid progressed to the next round 5–2 💋 on aggregate.[174][175] Benzema played his 400th match in all competitions for Real Madrid on 31 March in the 3–0 win 💋 at Las Palmas, captaining the team and netting the second goal with a penalty.[176] On 1 May, Benzema scored twice 💋 in a 2–2 draw against Bayern Munich in the return leg of the 2024–18 UEFA Champions League semi-final, as Real 💋 progressed to the final on a 4–3 aggregate.[177] On 26 May, Benzema scored the first goal of the match in 💋 2024 UEFA Champions League Final by intercepting Loris Karius's throw in a 3–1 victory over Liverpool, when Madrid won their 💋 third consecutive and 13th overall Champions League title.[178]

2024–2024: Club talisman, third league title and the return of Zidane

With the departure 💋 of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in July 2024, Benzema became Real Madrid's new goal-getter – scoring 30 goals in all 💋 competitions in 2024–19 as the club's top scorer for the campaign.[179] His prominence in Real Madrid's squad significantly increased.[147]

On 7 💋 November 2024, Benzema scored a brace in the 5–0 win at Viktoria Plzeň in the UEFA Champions League group stage, 💋 reaching the 200th goal milestone with the club,[180] becoming only the seventh Madrid player to achieve the feat.[181] He scored 💋 three goals in six matches, all of them against Plzeň, helping Real Madrid topping Group G.[182] Later on 13 February 💋 of the following year, in the first leg of the competition's round of 16, Benzema scored the opener of a 💋 2–1 away win over Ajax,[183] reaching 60 Champions League goals, becoming only the fourth player to do so.[184]

Benzema scored Madrid's 💋 first competitive goal of the 2024–20 season on 17 August in the 3–1 away win over Celta Vigo in the 💋 opening La Liga match.[185] Later, on 6 November, he scored a brace in Madrid's 6–0 crushing of Galatasaray, achieving two 💋 new milestones: he become the second player after Lionel Messi to score in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons and also 💋 the third Madrid player to score 50 goals in the competition.[186][187] His performances were praised by manager Zinedine Zidane, who 💋 called him a legend and also compared him with Cristiano Ronaldo.[188] Three days later, in the next league match, he 💋 scored a first-half brace in a 4–0 win at Eibar, overtaking Ferenc Puskás as the club's sixth all-time goalscorer in 💋 La Liga with 157 goals from 323 appearances.[189] In February 2024, Benzema extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2024.[190] 💋 On 1 March, he made his 500th appearance for Real Madrid in a 2–0 home win over Barcelona in El 💋 Clásico, becoming the fourteenth player in the club's history to achieve this milestone.[191][192] At the end of the season, Real 💋 Madrid won the 2024–20 La Liga, while scoring over 20 goals.[193]

Benzema getting interviewed after Real Madrid's first away game after 💋 the COVID-19 quarantine against Real Sociedad

When La Liga restarted after a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benzema scored 💋 a brace against Valencia in Real Madrid's second game back at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium on 18 June – 💋 his first goals at Madrid's new temporary home ground.[194] Benzema's brace saw him surpass Ferenc Puskás as Real Madrid's fourth 💋 All-Time Top Scorer with 304 goals.[195]

On 16 July, Benzema's brace against Villarreal secured Real Madrid's 34th La Liga title, after 💋 a 2–1 win at the Di Stefano – their 10th consecutive league win after the lockdown.[196] On 7 August, Benzema 💋 scored Madrid's only goal at the Etihad as they went crashing out of the Champions League to Manchester City (2–4 💋 on aggregate) to end the campaign.[197] For the second consecutive season, Benzema finished as the club's top scorer with 27 💋 goals in all competitions.

Benzema opened his goal account for 2024–21 on 4 October, away to Levante in La Liga, netting 💋 his 250th goal for Real Madrid in all competitions.[198][199] On 27 October, he scored an acrobatic over-the-head goal in a 💋 2–2 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach at Borussia-Park in the Champions League, to become the second player in history after Lionel 💋 Messi to score in 16 consecutive Champions League seasons.[200] On 9 December, he scored a brace in a 2–0 win 💋 over Borussia Mönchengladbach to send Real Madrid to the Champions League knockout stages as group winners.[201] On 21 April, Benzema 💋 scored a brace and assisted another in a 3–0 away win at Cádiz, which meant he scored against all 35 💋 teams he has played against in La Liga.[202]

2024–22: Vice-captaincy, fourth league title, UCL top scorer and Ballon d'Or

With the departure 💋 of Sergio Ramos to PSG, Benzema was promoted as Real Madrid's vice-captain for the 2024–22 season under Ancelotti.[203] On 14 💋 August, Benzema scored a brace against Alaves as Los Blancos kicked off the league season with a 1–4 away win 💋 to sit at the top of the table. Benzema's first half volley was the first official goal under Ancelotti in 💋 his second stint.[204] Six days later, Benzema signed a contract extension with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 💋 2024.[205]

Benzema scored his first hat-trick in three seasons in a 5–2 win over Celta Vigo on 12 September as Madrid 💋 returned to the Bernabeu for the first time since March 2024.[206] Wearing the armband, Benzema was the first Madrid captain 💋 to score a hat-trick since Raul in 2008.[207] One week later, Benzema and Vini Jr would combine twice in the 💋 last few minutes against Valencia at the Mestalla to complete a comeback to earn Madrid their first win at the 💋 Mestalla in four seasons.[208] On 22 September, Benzema scored a brace and provided another two assists in a 6–1 win 💋 over Mallorca at the Bernabeu.[209] Benzema's brace allowed him to become only the fourth Madrid player in history to score 💋 200 La Liga goals after Di Stefano, Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo.[210] On 28 September, Benzema became the first the player 💋 in history to score in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons after scoring his first penalty in the competition in a 💋 1–2 home loss against Sheriff in the group stage.[211]

On 22 October, Benzema scored Madrid's 1000th Champions League goal at the 💋 Bernabéu against Shakhtar Donetsk.[212] In the process, Benzema scored his 291st and 292nd goals for the club, making him their 💋 fourth highest all-time top scorer, overtaking Santillana.[213] With his goal against Sevilla in La Liga on 28 November, he became 💋 the highest French goalscorer in club football matches, overtaking Thierry Henry.[214] On 8 January, Benzema scored his 300th goal for 💋 Madrid, converting a penalty in a 4–1 win at home in La Liga against Valencia.[215]

On 9 March, he scored a 💋 hat-trick within 17 minutes in a remarkable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16. At the 💋 age of 34, Benzema became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League era.[216] With the three 💋 goals, Benzema brought his tally to 309, overtaking Alfredo Di Stéfano as Real Madrid's third-highest all-time goalscorer.[217] On 14 March, 💋 Benzema scored a brace in a La Liga match against Mallorca and broke Henry's record, becoming all-time top French goalscorer 💋 with 413 goals.[218] On 6 April, he scored another hat-trick in the Champions League in a 3–1 away win over 💋 Chelsea in the first leg of the quarter-finals.[219] Benzema became only the second player (after Cristiano Ronaldo) to score back-to-back 💋 hat-tricks in successive Champions League knockout matches.[220] One week later in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Benzema scored 💋 a 96th minute header in extra time which proved pivotal, as Madrid lost to Chelsea 2–3 on the night but 💋 qualified for the semi-finals 5–4 on aggregate.[221]

On 30 April 2024, he helped Real clinch their 35th Spanish title with a 💋 goal in a 4–0 win against Espanyol at the Bernabéu.[222] On 4 May, he scored a decisive goal from the 💋 penalty spot in extra time in the second leg against Manchester City and helped Real Madrid reach their 17th European 💋 Cup final.[223] By the end of the 2024–22 La Liga season, Benzema won his first Pichichi Trophy with 27 goals 💋 in 32 matches.[224] On 28 May, he won his fifth Champions League title after a 1–0 win over Liverpool in 💋 the final, and finished the tournament as top scorer with 15 goals in total.[225] On 31 May, Benzema was named 💋 the inaugural Champions League player of the season.[226] On 13 August, he was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, widely considered 💋 a favourite to win it.[227] In recognition of his performances that season, Benzema was awarded the Ballon d'Or on 17 💋 October.[228]

2024–23: Captaincy, all-time second top scorer and departure

With the departure of Marcelo, Benzema was promoted to captain as the most 💋 senior member of the squad.[229] By scoring in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt on 10 August 2024, 💋 Benzema brought his tally to 324 goals, overtaking Raúl as Real Madrid's all-time second-highest goalscorer.[230]

On 2 April 2024, Benzema scored 💋 a hat-trick in 6 minutes and 30 seconds in a 6–0 win over Real Valladolid, to become the third fastest 💋 hat-trick scorer in his club's history in La Liga, only behind Pahiño who netted three goals in 4 minutes in 💋 1950 and Fernando Hierro who scored them in 6 minutes in 1992.[231] Just three days later, he scored a back-to-back 💋 hat-trick in a 4–0 away victory against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, to become the second Real Madrid 💋 player to achieve this feat in El Clásico after Iván Zamorano in 1995 and the second Real Madrid player to 💋 score a hat-trick at the Camp Nou after Ferenc Puskás in 1963.[232] On 6 May, Benzema was part of the 💋 team that won against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final.[233]

On 4 June, Real Madrid confirmed that Benzema would depart 💋 from the club following the conclusion of the 2024–23 season.[234][235] Benzema was given a rapturous reception by Madrid fans in 💋 his last game against Athletic Bilbao, in which he scored. Benzema was substituted for Luka Modric in the 74th minute, 💋 leaving the field to an ovation from the Madrid supporters.[236]

Al-Ittihad

On 6 June 2024, Saudi Professional League club Al-Ittihad announced the 💋 signing of Benzema on a free transfer.[237] Two days later, Al-Ittihad formally presented him as their new signing at an 💋 elaborate ceremony. This event, hosted at the King Abdullah Sports City, was attended by a large number of fans.[238] He 💋 scored a goal and provided an assist on his debut on 27 July in a 2–1 victory over Espérance de 💋 Tunis during the Arab Club Champions Cup.[239]

International career

Youth

Benzema is a former France youth international having earned caps at all levels 💋 for which he was eligible, excluding the under-16 team. He is a member of the group, commonly known in France 💋 as the Génération 1987, a youth class that produced current internationals Hatem Ben Arfa, Jérémy Ménez and Samir Nasri, alongside 💋 himself.[240] Benzema was the last of the four to make his youth international debut under coach Philippe Bergeroo and officially 💋 joined the team ahead of the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship that was played on home soil. In the competition, 💋 he appeared in two matches. On his tournament debut, Benzema scored the opening goal in a 3–1 win over Northern 💋 Ireland.[241] His lone other appearance in the competition was in a 1–0 group stage win over Spain as France went 💋 on to win the tournament defeated the same team in the final.[242][243]

Benzema was a regular starter in the team at 💋 under-18 level. He made his debut with the team at a local tournament in the Czech Republic. Benzema scored his 💋 first goal at under-18 level in the competition against Poland in the team's final group stage match.[244] In the final 💋 against the hosts, he scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win as France were declared champions of the competition.[245] 💋 On 30 September 2004, Benzema was one of three goalscorers in France's 3–0 away win over Norway.[246] In the team's 💋 next match against Russia, he scored a double in a 3–1 victory.[247] Due to France winning the 2004 U17 European 💋 title, the under-18 team was allowed participation in the 2005 Meridian Cup. Benzema was called up to the team for 💋 the competition and played in all four matches, scoring a tournament-high five goals as France were crowned champions of the 💋 tournament.[248] He opened the tournament by scoring two goals in a 7–0 victory over Cameroon.[249] After going scoreless in the 💋 team's next match against Sierra Leone, Benzema responded by scoring a goal in a shutout victory over Nigeria and netting 💋 another double in a 4–1 win against Egypt.[250][251] On 19 May 2005, in the team's final match of the season 💋 against Slovakia, Benzema scored all four goals in a 4–1 victory.[252] He finished the under-18 campaign with 18 appearances and 💋 a team-high 14 goals and was, subsequently, praised by Bergeroo who, following the campaign, declared that Benzema was "quite efficient".[253]

The 💋 foursome of Benzema, Ben Arfa, Ménez and Nasri returned to international play together for under-19 duty. The four were joined 💋 by Issiar Dia, Blaise Matuidi and Serge Gakpé with the objective of winning the 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. The 💋 team opened the campaign with two friendly matches against Norway. Over the course of the two matches, Benzema scored one 💋 goal, which came in the first match, a 4–0 win.[254] In the first round of qualification for the UEFA-sanctioned tournament, 💋 he scored his only goal in the final group match against Austria.[255] France won the match 2–0, which resulted in 💋 the team progressing to the Elite Round.[256] In the ensuing round, France were placed in a relatively easy group alongside 💋 Scotland, Bulgaria, and Belarus. In the opening group game against Bulgaria, Benzema scored a double converting a penalty and scoring 💋 in play as France won 4–0.[257] Both of his goals were scored within a minute of each other.[258] After surprisingly 💋 drawing 0–0 with Belarus, France faced Scotland in the final group stage match. Benzema opened the scoring in the 11th 💋 minute, but his goal was cancelled out by Steven Fletcher in the second half.[259] The match ultimately finished 1–1 and, 💋 despite finishing the round undefeated, France were eliminated after being beaten on points by the Scots.[260]

Benzema made his under-21 debut 💋 for Les Espoirs under coach René Girard in the team's first match following the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship against 💋 Belgium. He started the match and was replaced at half-time by Yoann Gourcuff.[261] He featured in qualification matches for the 💋 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and appeared as a starter and substitute in the first leg and second leg, respectively, 💋 of the team's surprising defeat to Israel in the qualifying playoffs.[262][263] Despite still being eligible to represent the under-21 team 💋 until 2009, his appearance in the second leg defeat to Israel was Benzema's last with the team and he finished 💋 his under-21 career with five appearances and no goals. Prior to representing France at senior international level, Benzema was courted 💋 by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) who sought for the player to represent Algeria at senior international level. In December 💋 2006, the striker was approached by former federation president Hamid Haddadj and then-national team coach Jean-Michel Cavalli, but turned down 💋 the invitation citing his desire to continue his international career with France.[264] Benzema later told French radio station Radio Monte 💋 Carlo "Algeria is my parents' country and it is in my heart, but football-wise, I will only play for the 💋 French national team".[265]

Senior

Euro 2008

Benzema playing for France in 2008

Benzema was called up for the first time to the senior national 💋 team by Raymond Domenech on 9 November 2006 for the team's friendly match against Greece that would be played on 💋 15 November. Benzema described the call-up as "a reward", while also stating "I am pleased, of course, me and my 💋 family. A (the senior national team), is the national team's highest honor".[266] Two days before the match, he was forced 💋 to withdraw from the team due to a thigh injury, which he suffered while playing domestically for Lyon.[267] After failing 💋 to make the squad for the team's February 2007 match against Argentina, Benzema returned to the team in March for 💋 a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match against Lithuania and a friendly against Austria.[268] After failing to appear in the qualifier, 💋 he made his international debut on 28 March 2007 against Austria. Benzema appeared as a half-time substitute for Djibril Cissé 💋 and scored the only goal of the match after a free-kick from Samir Nasri.[269] On 13 October, Benzema scored a 💋 double in a 6–0 win against the Faroe Islands.[270] After appearing regularly in the team for the rest of the 💋 2007–08 season, he was named to the 23-man squad to participate in UEFA Euro 2008.

Benzema made his debut in the 💋 competition on 9 June 2008 in the team's opening match against Romania. Benzema started the match, but was substituted out 💋 for Nasri in the second half after a frustrating performance.[271] The match finished 0–0 and Benzema was, subsequently, criticized by 💋 the French media for his performance with newspaper Le Point declaring that Benzema was "unrecognizable" and that he "symbolized the 💋 impotence of France in the attack".[272] The newspaper also cited his lack of international experience for his subdued performance. In 💋 the team's next group game against the Netherlands, Benzema played no part in the 4–1 defeat.[273] He returned to the 💋 team in its final group game against Italy and was given a place in the starting lineup.[274] However, France lost 💋 2–0 and were eliminated from the competition.[275]

In November 2008, Benzema, among several other young players in the team, was accused 💋 of being insolent during the team's campaign at the European Championship. The accusation came from international teammate William Gallas who 💋 inserted the charge in his autobiography. Though most of Gallas' accusations were directed at Nasri,[276][277][278] during the competition, it was 💋 reported by newspaper Le Parisien that several of the national team players described Benzema as "arrogant" and that the striker 💋 was scolded by midfielder Claude Makélélé following the team's loss to the Netherlands.[279]

2010 World Cup omission

Despite the reports from after 💋 Euro 2008, Benzema remained a regular in the team and, ahead of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, switched 💋 to the number ten shirt after previously wearing the number nine.[280] In the team's first match following its elimination from 💋 Euro 2008, Benzema scored a goal in a 3–2 friendly win over Sweden in Gothenburg.[281] Two months later, he scored 💋 another goal in a 3–1 victory against Tunisia at the Stade de France.[282] On 5 June 2009, Benzema converted the 💋 only goal of the match, a penalty shot, in a 1–0 win over Turkey at the Stade de Gerland, his 💋 home stadium.[283] He scored his first World Cup qualification goals in victories over the Faroe Islands and Austria in October 💋 2009. His cap against Austria would be his last of the Domenech era as he failed to make France's preliminary 💋 30-man squad for the World Cup. Domenech cited Benzema's struggle for form with his new club Real Madrid, rather than 💋 his alleged involvement in a sex scandal as his reason for leaving the striker out.[284] Prior to the list being 💋 unveiled, Benzema informed Radio Monte Carlo that if he was not selected he would be "very disappointed, but not killed" 💋 and "I will support the France team no matter what".[285]

Euro 2012

Benzema playing for France at UEFA Euro 2012

Following the World 💋 Cup, Benzema returned to the national team under the reign of new coach Laurent Blanc. Blanc, an admirer of Benzema, 💋 sought to build the attack around the striker and, after going almost a year without representing France, Benzema made his 💋 return to the team in its 2–1 defeat to Norway in Oslo.[286][287] Alongside Gourcuff, Benzema led the team in scoring 💋 in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012, netting three. He scored his three goals in wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, 💋 and Albania.[288][289][290] On 17 November 2010, Benzema scored the opening goal in France's 2–1 win over England at Wembley Stadium.[291] 💋 In the team's next match against Brazil in February 2011, he scored the only goal for France in a 1–0 💋 win.[292] After appearing regularly in qualifying for Euro 2012, on 29 May 2012, Benzema was named to the squad to 💋 participate in the competition.[293] On 5 June, in the team's final warm-up friendly ahead of the European Championship, Benzema scored 💋 two goals in a 4–0 shutout win over Estonia.[294] At Euro 2012, Benzema started the team's opening match against England, 💋 which ended in a 1–1 draw.[295] In the team's ensuing group stage match against Ukraine, he assisted both the goals 💋 in a 2–0 win.[296]

2014 World Cup

On 11 October 2013, Benzema scored his first goal for the France national team since 💋 June 2012 in a friendly against Australia, thus ending a scoring drought for his national team which had lasted 1,222 💋 minutes. In that match played at the Parc des Princes in Paris, which France won 6–0, Benzema scored France's sixth 💋 and final goal in the 50th minute after turning home Franck Ribéry's left-wing cross.[297] In the second leg of the 💋 2014 World Cup qualification play-off against Ukraine held on 19 November 2013 at the Stade de France, Benzema scored France's 💋 second goal in the 34th minute to level the aggregate score at 2–2. Benzema scored his goal when he side-footed 💋 home after a huge scramble in the Ukrainian penalty box, although he was shown on television replays to be offside 💋 by almost one metre when the ball took a final touch off Mathieu Valbuena's chest. Benzema had four minutes earlier 💋 been denied a legitimate goal, the offside flag wrongly raised when he turned in Ribéry's low cross into the net 💋 with his torso a metre from the Ukrainian goal-line. Ukraine had won the first leg of the play-off 2–0 in 💋 Kyiv just four days earlier. France would eventually win the second leg 3–0 to advance to the 2014 World Cup 💋 finals in Brazil with a 3–2 aggregate scoreline.[298]

On 6 June 2014, Benzema was named in France's squad for the 2014 💋 FIFA World Cup, making his debut in the tournament.[299] In the team's first match, a 3–0 win against Honduras in 💋 Porto Alegre on 15 June, he scored a goal in each half, the first from a penalty kick. He also 💋 took part in the team's second goal, when his shot rebounded off the post and was fumbled over the goal-line 💋 by Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares for an own goal, the first World Cup goal given by goal-line technology.[300] He was 💋 named by FIFA as man of the match for his performance.[301] In the second group fixture, he scored and had 💋 a penalty saved in a 5–2 defeat of Switzerland, as Les Bleus all but secured qualification to the knockout stage.[302] 💋 France were later knocked out by eventual winners Germany in the quarter-final stage of the tournament.[303]

2024–2024 exclusion

After last featuring for 💋 France in a 4–0 win against Armenia on 8 October 2024, French Football Federation announced on 13 April 2024 that 💋 Benzema would not be picked for Euro 2024 tournament on home soil.[304] This happened after a blackmailing affair involving fellow 💋 French team player Mathieu Valbuena (see §Controversies and legal issues). He responded on 1 June 2024 in Marca, in an 💋 interview entitled 'Benzema: "Deschamps folded due to pressure from France's racist element"'.[305]

Benzema was also left off the roster for the 💋 2024 World Cup in Russia.[306] Directing his frustration at FFF president Noël Le Graët, Benzema later tweeted: "Mr Le Graët, 💋 with all due respect, you've lost an opportunity to remain silent. I've discovered your true face, and this isn't the 💋 one that said he appreciated me and wouldn't discuss the subject of team selections!"[307]

In November 2024, Benzema replied to Le 💋 Graët's comments that his career with France was over, by saying: "If you think I'm done, let me play with 💋 one of the other countries I am eligible for and we'll see".[308]

Return to the squad, Nations League victory and retirement

On 💋 18 May 2024, following speculation from the media, Benzema was officially included in France's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024, 💋 his first call-up to the national team in over five years.[309] He made his first appearance since his return on 💋 2 June, in a 3–0 home win over Wales, in a friendly warm-up match before the final tournament, during which 💋 he missed a penalty, but was later also involved in the final goal scored by Antoine Griezmann.[310] On 23 June 💋 2024, he scored a brace in a 2–2 draw against Portugal, to be his first goals in the European Championship.[311] 💋 He subsequently scored another brace in France's round-of-16 match against Switzerland, where France were knocked out of the tournament on 💋 penalties after a 3–3 draw.[312] With four goals in as many games, Benzema won the Euro 2024 bronze boot.[313]

In the 💋 2024 UEFA Nations League semi-final on 7 October, Benzema scored France's first goal in the second half as they came 💋 from behind to defeat Belgium 3–2.[314] He overtook Zidane in the France scoring records as he scored his 32nd goal 💋 for Le Blues to become the 6th top scorer in their history.[315] In the Final three days later, he scored 💋 the temporary equaliser as France went on to clinch the title for the first time with a 2–1 victory over 💋 Spain;[316] he was named "Player of the Match" by UEFA for his performance in the final.[317] With two goals, he 💋 was the joint–top scorer of the Nations League Finals, along with Spain's Ferran Torres and teammate Kylian Mbappé, who won 💋 the top scorer trophy due to having also provided two assists – Benzema won the bronze boot due to playing 💋 more minutes than Torres.[318] The Nations League was Benzema's first trophy with France's senior team and his 27th of his 💋 career, making him the most decorated Frenchman in football history.[319]

On 13 November 2024, Benzema scored his first goals in the 💋 2024 World Cup qualifiers with a brace in an 8–0 win over Kazakhstan as France booked their place for Qatar 💋 2024.[320] His brace saw him over-take David Trezeguet to become Les Bleus' fifth all-time top scorer with 35 goals.[321] Although 💋 he was included in France's final squad for the 2024 FIFA World Cup, on 19 November, the French Football Federation 💋 stated that Benzema would be forced to miss the tournament due to a thigh injury.[322][323] Despite not taking part in 💋 the tournament, Benzema was still awarded the silver medal as he was not replaced by another player unlike Christopher Nkunku, 💋 who was replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.[324] On 19 December, Benzema announced his retirement from the national team.[325]

Style of play

Generally 💋 known for both his finishing and playmaking,[326] Benzema is regarded as one of the best strikers of all time.[4][5] He 💋 is a creative, skillful, quick, agile, and prolific forward, who is good in the air and capable of playing off 💋 the shoulders of the last defender,[327][328][329] and has been described as an "immensely talented striker" who is "strong and powerful" 💋 and "a potent finisher from inside the box" with either foot, as well as his head, despite being naturally right 💋 footed.[330][327] He is considered to be one of the best strikers of his generation, with his Real Madrid manager Ancelotti 💋 describing him "the best striker in the world" in 2024.[331][332]

An atypical number 9, although he is usually deployed as a 💋 centre forward, and can operate as an out-and-out striker, Benzema is also capable of playing in several other offensive positions, 💋 and has been used on the wing, or even as a playmaker behind the main striker, either in the number 💋 10 role as an attacking midfielder, or as a deep-lying forward. In addition to his goalscoring, Benzema is known for 💋 his willingness and ability to drop into deeper or wider positions, and either link-up play with midfielders, or use his 💋 strength and technical ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal to provide assists for teammates, courtesy 💋 of his vision, creativity, passing, and eye for the final ball;[nb 1] his playing style led one commentator to describe 💋 him as a "nine and a half".[337] Highlighting his prolific goalscoring and his creative abilities, Benzema ranks as Madrid's all-time 💋 second-highest goalscorer and top assist provider, with 328 goals and 104 assists respectively.[7][338]

During his time at Madrid, Benzema has also 💋 been praised by pundits for his work-rate and tactical intelligence off the ball, as well as his positional sense and 💋 attacking movement as a forward, which often draws opposing defenders out of position, and in turn creates spaces for his 💋 teammates; as such, he formed a strong offensive partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo during the latter's time with the club. Indeed, 💋 Benzema's movement drew defenders away and created space for Ronaldo to make attacking runs into the centre of the area 💋 from the left wing, which essentially saw the Frenchman act as a false 9.[nb 2] Following Ronaldo's departure in 2024, 💋 he took on a new role as the club's main striker, playing with his back to goal less frequently, and 💋 instead receiving the ball facing the goal and taking more touches inside the penalty area; in this position, he also 💋 often drifted out wide onto the left flank, while he was able to utilise his control and touch on the 💋 ball effectively to create goalscoring opportunities for himself inside the box. The positional change saw an increase in his goalscoring 💋 output for the club and an improvement in his shooting, for which he had occasionally come under criticism from the 💋 press in the past, as demonstrated by the variety of his goals, his conversion rate, and his clinical finishing with 💋 his feet as well as his head; however, in addition to taking over the role of the team's main goalscorer, 💋 he also still continued to serve as link-up player for the team's front line by creating chances for his teammates.[342][343]

Personal 💋 life

(above) and a commercial (below) for Real Madrid in 2024 and 2024, respectively Benzema in an Adidas music videoand a 💋 commercialfor Real Madrid in 2024 and 2024, respectively

Benzema was born in Lyon to French nationals of Algerian descent.[11][344] His grandfather, 💋 Da Lakehal Benzema, lived in the village of Tigzirt, located in the northern town of Aït Djellil in Algeria before 💋 migrating to Lyon, where he eventually settled in the 1950s.[345] Benzema's father, Hafid, was born in Tigzirt, while his mother, 💋 Wahida Djebbara, was born and raised in Lyon; her family originated from Oran. Benzema is the third youngest in the 💋 family and grew up with eight other siblings in Bron, an eastern suburb of Lyon.[345] His younger brothers Gressy and 💋 Sabri are also footballers.[346] The former plays at the amateur level with Vaulx-le-Velin in the Division d'Honneur, the sixth division 💋 of French football, while the latter plays in the youth academy of a club in the family's hometown of Bron.[347][348]

On 💋 3 February 2014, his then-girlfriend Chloé de Launay gave birth to their daughter Mélia in Madrid.[349] On 5 May 2024, 💋 his girlfriend Cora Gauthier gave birth to their son Ibrahim.[350] A practicing Muslim, Benzema observes fasting during the Islamic holy 💋 month of Ramadan.[351] He has spoken about his faith saying: "My faith helps me to be focused every day. It 💋 brings me benefits and it's my strength for me, my family, as well as for my work – for literally 💋 everything."[352] In October 2024, Benzema expressed solidarity with the victims of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.[353]

Benzema has been dating American model 💋 Jordan Ozuna since 2024, and confirmed their relationship on Instagram.[354] Ozuna is the mother of Benzema's fourth child. In 2024, 💋 Ozuna converted to Islam.[355][356]

Since evolving internationally, Benzema has participated in numerous advertising campaigns. He was chosen as an ambassador of 💋 the American video game publisher Electronic Arts for the FIFA series. He has signed several sponsorship contracts, notably with the 💋 Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai, the French telephone operator SFR and its subsidiary BuzzMobile, the French bank LCL and the sports 💋 betting company bwin. Benzema is sponsored by Adidas.[357] In 2024, his documentary film Le K Benzema was released.[358] In 2024, 💋 Benzema started his own YouTube channel, uploading videos of his everyday life, as well as interviews and fan Q&As.[359][360] In 💋 2024, Benzema was named official ambassador of the Fendi Faster sneaker line.[361]

Controversies and legal issues

On 6 December 2006, he told 💋 RMC about his possible selection for the Algerian team: "It's my parents' country, it's in my heart. But well, from 💋 a sporting perspective, it's true I'll play in the French team. I'll always be available for the French team [...] 💋 It's more for the sporting side, because Algeria is my country, you see, my parents come from there. France, on 💋 the other hand ... it's more of a sport thing, that's it."[362] Benzema drew some criticism for these comments, as 💋 well as for his reluctance to sing the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise", before each match with the national team.[363][364]

On 💋 18 April 2010, French television channel M6 reported that four members of the French national team were being investigated for 💋 their roles as clients in a prostitute ring operated inside of a Paris nightclub, with some of the women possibly 💋 being underage. The players were eventually revealed to be Franck Ribéry, Sidney Govou, Hatem Ben Arfa and Benzema.[365][366] Benzema was 💋 alleged to have had a sexual rendezvous with a prostitute when she was 16 years of age, an act Benzema 💋 denied through his lawyer.[367] On 20 July, Benzema was questioned by Paris police and indicted on the charge of "solicitation 💋 of a minor prostitute".[368][369] In November 2011, prosecutors asked for the cases against Ribéry and Benzema to be dropped, saying 💋 that the players were not aware that the escort, identified as Zahia Dehar, was 16 years old.[370] However, the case 💋 did go on to trial. In January 2014, the judge in the case dropped the charges against both Ribery and 💋 Benzema saying there was lack of sufficient evidence that the pair knew the prostitutes were underaged.[371]

On 4 November 2024, Benzema 💋 was arrested by French police for his alleged part in blackmailing fellow France international player Mathieu Valbuena over the alleged 💋 recording of a sex-tape on a mobile phone.[372] During the investigation over the blackmail plot, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls 💋 stated, "A great athlete should be exemplary. If he is not, he has no place in the France team. There 💋 are so many kids, so many youngsters in our suburbs that relate to great athletes. They wear the blue jersey, 💋 the colours of France, which are so important in these moments."[373][374] On 10 December 2024, the president of the FFF 💋 Noël Le Graët announced the provisional suspension of the striker from the French team until a new development in the 💋 affair.[375] On 17 February 2024, the judicial review was lifted by the investigating judge who allowed Benzema to get in 💋 touch again with Valbuena. On 11 July 2024, the Court of Cassation issued a judgment in which it invalidated a 💋 decision of the Court of Appeal of Versailles, which had validated the procedure by which Benzema had been indicted for 💋 complicity of attempted blackmail. This decision was made on the basis of contesting the legality of the phone calls recording 💋 by the police, and the judgement did not disprove the veracity of the blackmail attempt on Valbuena by Benzema.[376] On 💋 7 January 2024, the public prosecutor's office in Versailles announced that Benzema would face trial for his alleged involvement in 💋 the blackmail attempt.[377] On 24 November 2024, Benzema was found guilty of conspiring to blackmail Valbuena with a sex tape.[378][379] 💋 The judge gave him a one-year suspended sentence and fined him €75,000.[378][379] His lawyers said they will appeal his conviction.[378] 💋 He was sentenced in this case in June 2024 to a one-year suspended sentence and a fine of £63,000, after 💋 having abandoned the appeal procedure. Benzema's lawyer indicated their intention to appeal the verdict.[380][381]

In March 2024, during an Instagram livestream 💋 with YouTuber and internet personality Mohamed Henni,[382] Benzema made controversial remarks about French player Olivier Giroud, who replaced Benzema in 💋 the France national team.[383] He called Giroud "karting" while he referred to himself as "Formula 1".[384] On 10 March 2024, 💋 France head coach Didier Deschamps stated in an interview with Le Parisien that he had told Benzema following his injury 💋 prior to the 2024 FIFA World Cup that there was "no emergency" and that he could "organize his return" from 💋 injury with the team manager. Deschamps then claimed that Benzema made the decision to leave the France team himself, saying 💋 "when I woke up, I learned that he had left". However, Benzema responded on his Instagram story by reposting the 💋 Deschamps statement in the interview with the caption "but what audacity". He posted a further story of French Snapchat personality 💋 Ritchie repeating the phrase "liar, you are a liar".[385]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 26 December 2024[386][387]

International

Appearances and goals by national 💋 team and year[388] National team Year Apps Goals France 2007 8 3 2008 11 2 2009 8 3 2010 5 💋 3 2011 10 2 2012 12 2 2013 10 3 2014 13 7 2024 4 2 2024 13 9 2024 💋 3 1 Total 97 37

Scores and results list France's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Benzema goal[389]

Honours

Lyon[390]

Real 💋 Madrid[390]

France U17

France

Individual