Karim Benzema facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Karim Benzema

Benzema during an interview in 2021
Personal information
Full name	Karim Mostafa Benzema
Date of birth	(1987-12-19) 19 December 1987 (age 37)
Place of birth	Lyon, France
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Striker
Team information
Current team	Al-Ittihad
Number	9
Youth career
1993–1996	AS Des Buers Villeurbanne
1996–1997	Bron
1997–2005	Lyon
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2004–2006	Lyon II	20	(15)
2004–2009	Lyon	112	(43)
2009–2023	Real Madrid	439	(238)
2023–	Al-Ittihad	50	(30)
International career
2004	France U17	4	(1)
2004–2005	France U18	17	(14)
2005–2006	France U19	9	(5)
2006	France U21	5	(0)
2007–2022	France	97	(37)
Medal record Men's football Representing  France UEFA Nations League Winner 2021 FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Winner 2004
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:06, 26 May 2025 (UTC)

Karim Mostafa Benzema (born 19 December 1987) is a French professional footballer. He plays as a striker and is the captain for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. Many people think he is one of the best strikers ever.

Benzema is known for his amazing skills, great vision, and being able to play in different positions on the field. He won 25 trophies with Real Madrid. These include four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey cups, and five UEFA Champions League titles. He has scored over 500 goals in his career for both his clubs and his country. He is also Real Madrid's second-highest goalscorer and has given the most assists.

Karim was born in Lyon, France. His family came from Algeria. He started his football journey with his hometown club, Lyon, in 2005. He helped Lyon win three Ligue 1 titles. In 2008, he was named the league's best player and top goalscorer. He also won his fourth league title and his first Coupe de France.

In 2009, Benzema moved to Real Madrid. This was a very expensive transfer for a French player at the time, costing €35 million. After a tough first season, he became a consistent goalscorer. He was part of a famous attacking trio called "BBC" with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. This trio helped Real Madrid win four Champions League titles between 2014 and 2018.

After Ronaldo left in 2018, Benzema became the main striker for Real Madrid. He was chosen for the La Liga Team of the Season for five years in a row. He won the La Liga Best Player award twice. In 2022, he won the Pichichi Trophy for being the top scorer in La Liga. He was also the top scorer in the Champions League in 2022, winning his fifth title. He was the captain in his last season before joining Al-Ittihad in 2023. As captain, he led Al-Ittihad to win the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League.

Benzema also played for the French national team. He won the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He first played for the senior French team in 2007 when he was 19. He played in UEFA Euro 2008. He later returned to the squad for Euro 2020, where he won the Bronze Boot. Benzema was also part of the French team that finished second at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He couldn't play due to an injury but still received a medal. He stopped playing for the national team in December 2022. He played 97 games for France and scored 37 goals. He is France's sixth-highest all-time goalscorer. He was named French Player of the Year four times.

For his amazing performances in 2021 and 2022, Benzema received the UEFA Player of the Year award. He also won the Ballon d'Or, which is a huge award for the best player in the world. He was the fifth French player to win the Ballon d'Or. He is one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.

Club Career Highlights

Starting Out in Football

Benzema started playing football at age eight for his local club, Bron Terraillon. Friends called him "Coco." He caught the eye of the Lyon youth academy after scoring two goals in a match. Lyon officials wanted to sign him. After talking with his father, Benzema had a trial with Lyon and then joined their academy.

Rising Through Lyon's Ranks

Karim quickly moved up through the youth teams at Lyon. He was a ballboy for the senior team's matches. At age 16, he scored 38 goals in the French youth league. Before the 2004–05 season, Benzema joined Lyon's reserve team. He scored ten goals for them, even though he only played part of the season.

First Team Debut and Early Success

Benzema was called up to the senior team in January 2005. He made his first professional appearance on 15 January 2005 against Metz. He came on as a substitute and helped set up a goal. Lyon won the match 2–0. He signed his first professional contract that same month. Lyon won their fourth league title in a row that season.

In the 2005–06 season, Benzema played under a new coach, Gérard Houllier. He didn't play much at first because of other strong players. On 6 December, he played his first UEFA Champions League game against Rosenborg and scored his first professional goal. A month later, he scored two goals in a Coupe de France match against Grenoble. In March 2006, he scored his first league goal against Ajaccio.

Benzema started getting more playing time in the 2006–07 season. He scored in the first league match against Nantes. He also scored two goals against Nice later that month. He scored in the Champions League against Steaua București and Dynamo Kyiv. In November, he got a thigh injury and missed three months. Lyon won their sixth league title in a row that season.

Becoming Lyon's Star Player

For the 2007–08 season, Benzema became the main striker and wore the number 10 shirt. He had a great season, scoring 31 goals in 51 games. He was the top scorer in the league with 20 goals. He also scored in the Champions League and Coupe de France. Lyon won their first ever league and cup "double" that year. Some of his best moments included a hat-trick against Metz and a late goal against Saint-Étienne.

In the Champions League, Benzema scored two important goals against Rangers. This helped Lyon move to the next round. He also scored against Manchester United. Manchester United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, praised Benzema's performance.

On 13 March 2008, Benzema signed a new contract with Lyon until 2013. He became one of the highest-paid players in France. For his excellent season, he was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year. He also won the 2008 Bravo Award for the best young player in Europe.

Benzema during a training session with Lyon in 2008

Benzema started the 2008–09 season well, scoring two goals in the first match against Toulouse. He continued to score in the next few weeks. Lyon's president said Benzema was worth €100 million to stop transfer rumors. He was even on the cover of the video game FIFA 09 in France.

He scored his seventh league goal on 29 October against Sochaux. Benzema also scored five goals in the Champions League group stage. After the winter break, Benzema had a tough time scoring for a few games. Lyon's form also dropped, and they lost their chance to win a record eighth league title.

Despite losing the title, Benzema scored his 15th and 16th goals of the season against Marseille on 17 May. He finished the season with 17 goals, placing him third among Ligue 1 top scorers.

Joining Real Madrid

First Season in Spain

On 1 July 2009, Lyon and Real Madrid agreed on Benzema's transfer. The fee was €35 million. On 9 July, Benzema passed his medical and signed a six-year contract. He was officially introduced as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He played his first friendly match for Real Madrid on 20 July against Shamrock Rovers and scored the winning goal.

Benzema playing against Marseille in a Champions League match in 2009

Benzema made his league debut for Madrid on 29 August 2009 against Deportivo La Coruña. He scored his first goal for the club a month later in a 5–0 win against Xerez. He scored his first two goals in a match for Madrid against Tenerife. He also played his first Champions League game for the club against Marseille.

In late November, Benzema started playing mostly as a substitute. The Spanish media criticized him for not performing well and for not learning Spanish. However, his teammate Zinedine Zidane defended him. Benzema later said he was "totally integrated and very happy" at Real Madrid. When another striker, Gonzalo Higuaín, got injured, Benzema returned to the starting lineup. He scored two goals against Deportivo La Coruña. He finished the season mostly coming off the bench.

Becoming a Key Player

Benzema celebrating a goal against Espanyol in 2010

Before the 2010–11 season, Benzema changed his shirt number to 9. New manager José Mourinho challenged him to work harder. Benzema started the season as a substitute. He scored his first goal of the season on 21 September against Espanyol. He then didn't score a league goal for almost two months.

In late November, Benzema became a regular starter after Higuaín's injury. He scored his first Champions League goal of the season against Ajax. In Madrid's last group game against Auxerre, Benzema scored his first hat trick for the club. This was also Real Madrid's 300th goal in the Champions League era. Two weeks later, he scored another hat trick against Levante in the Copa del Rey.

In January, Benzema scored in back-to-back matches for the first time at Real Madrid. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Mallorca. Three days later, he scored the only goal in a win over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-final. Real Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final.

Benzema playing in a league match against Almería in 2011

Benzema had a great run in February and March 2011, scoring ten goals in eight matches. This included two goals in three straight games. He scored his 100th professional goal against his former club Lyon. He did not celebrate out of respect for Lyon. He finished the season with 26 goals, second only to Ronaldo. Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey, which was Benzema's first trophy with the club.

Winning La Liga

Before the 2011–12 season, Benzema worked hard to lose weight and build muscle. He was very impressive in pre-season games, scoring eight goals. Mourinho named him the starting striker. In the 2011 Supercopa de España against Barcelona, Benzema scored an equalizing goal. He scored two goals against Getafe in the league. He also scored in the Champions League against Ajax and Lyon.

Benzema training ahead of a Champions League match in 2012

In November 2011, Benzema scored five goals. On 10 December 2011, he scored the fastest goal ever in an El Clásico match against Barcelona, just 21 seconds into the game. Three days later, he was named the France Football French Player of the Year. He was only the second French player in Spain to win this award, after Zidane.

Benzema started 2012 well, scoring against Granada and Málaga. He scored his third goal of the season against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, but Madrid lost the tie. On 12 February, he scored against Levante. A week later, he scored two goals against Racing Santander. On 24 March, he scored two goals against Real Sociedad, becoming the top French scorer in La Liga history. Three days later, he scored two more goals in the Champions League against APOEL. On 29 April, he scored two goals and assisted another against Sevilla. Madrid won their 32nd league title the following week.

Champions League Success

On 4 October 2012, Benzema scored a bicycle kick goal against Ajax in the Champions League. On 18 December, he won the award for best French footballer of 2012 for the second year in a row. On 2 March 2013, he scored against Barcelona in a league game that Real Madrid won 2–1.

For the 2013–14 season, Benzema became part of the famous "BBC" trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. He scored his 100th goal for Madrid in a 5–0 win over Real Betis. On 23 March, he scored two goals against Barcelona in El Clásico.

Benzema playing for Real Madrid in 2015

Benzema played in the 2014 Copa del Rey final and helped set up the first goal. Real Madrid won the cup. A week later, he scored the only goal in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. The club went on to win the Champions League final in May. The "BBC" trio scored 97 goals that season.

On 6 August 2014, Benzema signed a new contract with Real Madrid until 2019. On 12 August, he played in Real Madrid's win against Sevilla to claim the UEFA Super Cup. On 16 September, he scored Real Madrid's 1,000th goal in European competitions. He scored the winning goal against Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League. He also scored two goals against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. In 2014, Benzema won France Football's award for French Player of the Year for the third time.

Benzema was named La Liga Player of the Month for October 2014. On 8 December 2015, he scored a hat trick against Malmö. On 20 December, he scored another hat trick against Rayo Vallecano. He was a regular starter when the team won the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League.

More European Trophies

Benzema with Cristina Cifuentes during the 2016 Champions League title celebrations in Madrid

In December 2016, Benzema played in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. He scored in the semi-final against América. In the final against Kashima Antlers, he scored the first goal and helped Ronaldo score another. Real Madrid won 4–2. This was Benzema's tenth trophy with Real Madrid.

On 15 February 2017, in the Champions League round of 16, Benzema scored against Napoli. This was his 51st goal in the competition, passing Thierry Henry. He was named Man of the Match. He scored the last goal of the season when Madrid won the 2016–17 La Liga and the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League.

On 20 September 2017, Benzema signed a contract extension until 2021. On 6 March 2018, he played his 100th Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. On 31 March, he played his 400th game for Real Madrid and scored a penalty. On 1 May, Benzema scored two goals against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final. Real Madrid reached the final. On 26 May, Benzema scored the first goal in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool. Madrid won their third Champions League title in a row and 13th overall.

Becoming the Main Goalscorer

After Cristiano Ronaldo left in July 2018, Benzema became Real Madrid's main goalscorer. He scored 30 goals in the 2018–19 season, becoming the club's top scorer. His role in the team became much bigger.

On 7 November 2018, Benzema scored two goals against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League. This meant he reached 200 goals for the club, becoming only the seventh Madrid player to do so. He scored three goals in the group stage, all against Plzeň. On 13 February 2019, he scored against Ajax, reaching 60 Champions League goals.

Benzema scored Madrid's first goal of the 2019–20 season on 17 August against Celta Vigo. On 6 November, he scored two goals against Galatasaray. He became the second player after Lionel Messi to score in 15 straight Champions League seasons. He also became the third Madrid player to score 50 goals in the competition. His manager, Zinedine Zidane, praised him. Three days later, he scored two goals against Eibar, passing Ferenc Puskás as the club's sixth all-time goalscorer in La Liga. In February 2020, Benzema extended his contract until 2022. On 1 March, he played his 500th game for Real Madrid against Barcelona. Real Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga title, and Benzema scored over 20 goals.

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

When La Liga started again after the COVID-19 break, Benzema scored two goals against Valencia on 18 June. These were his first goals at Madrid's new temporary home ground. Benzema's goals meant he passed Ferenc Puskás as Real Madrid's fourth all-time top scorer with 304 goals.

On 16 July, Benzema's two goals against Villarreal helped Real Madrid win their 34th La Liga title. On 7 August, he scored Madrid's only goal as they lost to Manchester City in the Champions League. For the second season in a row, Benzema was the club's top scorer with 27 goals.

Benzema scored his first goal of the 2020–21 season on 4 October against Levante. This was his 250th goal for Real Madrid. On 27 October, he scored an amazing overhead goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Champions League. He became the second player after Lionel Messi to score in 16 straight Champions League seasons. On 9 December, he scored two goals against Borussia Mönchengladbach to help Real Madrid win their group. On 21 April, Benzema scored two goals and assisted another against Cádiz. This meant he had scored against all 35 teams he had played against in La Liga.

Vice-Captain and Ballon d'Or Winner

When Sergio Ramos left, Benzema became Real Madrid's vice-captain for the 2021–22 season. On 14 August, he scored two goals against Alaves in a 4–1 win. Six days later, Benzema signed a contract extension until 2023.

Benzema scored his first hat-trick in three seasons in a 5–2 win over Celta Vigo on 12 September. He was the first Madrid captain to score a hat-trick since Raul in 2008. A week later, Benzema and Vini Jr helped Madrid come back to win against Valencia. On 22 September, Benzema scored two goals and gave two assists against Mallorca. This made him only the fourth Madrid player to score 200 La Liga goals. On 28 September, Benzema became the first player to score in 17 straight Champions League seasons.

On 22 October, Benzema scored Madrid's 1000th Champions League goal against Shakhtar Donetsk. He also became the club's fourth highest all-time top scorer. With his goal against Sevilla on 28 November, he became the highest French goalscorer in club football, passing Thierry Henry. On 8 January, Benzema scored his 300th goal for Madrid from a penalty against Valencia.

Left to right: Marcelo, Benzema and Carlos Osoro Sierra with the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2022 at the Virgin of Almudena

On 9 March, he scored a hat-trick in just 17 minutes in an amazing comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. At 34, Benzema became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League. With these goals, he passed Alfredo Di Stéfano as Real Madrid's third-highest all-time goalscorer. On 14 March, Benzema scored two goals against Mallorca and broke Henry's record again, becoming the all-time top French goalscorer with 413 goals. On 6 April, he scored another hat-trick in the Champions League against Chelsea. He was only the second player (after Cristiano Ronaldo) to score back-to-back hat-tricks in Champions League knockout games. A week later, Benzema scored a crucial goal in extra time against Chelsea, helping Madrid reach the semi-finals.

On 30 April 2022, he helped Real Madrid win their 35th Spanish title with a goal against Espanyol. On 4 May, he scored a decisive penalty goal in extra time against Manchester City, helping Real Madrid reach their 17th European Cup final. By the end of the 2021–22 La Liga season, Benzema won his first Pichichi Trophy with 27 goals. On 28 May, he won his fifth Champions League title after beating Liverpool in the final. He was the top scorer in the tournament with 15 goals. On 31 May, Benzema was named the first-ever Champions League player of the season. On 17 October, Benzema was awarded the Ballon d'Or.

Captaincy and Departure from Real Madrid

After Marcelo left, Benzema became the captain of Real Madrid. By scoring in the 2022 UEFA Super Cup on 10 August 2022, Benzema reached 324 goals. This meant he passed Raúl as Real Madrid's all-time second-highest goalscorer.

On 21 February 2023, Benzema scored two goals and assisted one in a 5–2 comeback win against Liverpool in the Champions League. He then scored the only goal in the return game three weeks later. On 2 April 2023, Benzema scored a hat-trick in just 6 minutes and 30 seconds against Real Valladolid. This was the third fastest hat-trick in his club's history in La Liga. Just three days later, he scored another hat-trick against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. He was the second Real Madrid player to score a hat-trick in El Clásico at the Camp Nou. On 6 May, Benzema helped the team win the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna. This made him the club's most decorated player with 25 trophies, matching Marcelo's record.

On 4 June, Real Madrid announced that Benzema would leave the club after the 2022–23 season. Benzema received a huge cheer from fans in his last game against Athletic Bilbao, where he scored.

Moving to Al-Ittihad

On 6 June 2023, Saudi Professional League club Al-Ittihad announced they had signed Benzema. He could earn up to $100 million USD a year until 2026. Two days later, Al-Ittihad officially introduced him to many fans at the King Abdullah Sports City. He scored a goal and assisted another in his first game on 27 July, a 2–1 win over Espérance de Tunis in the Arab Club Champions Cup.

Captain of Al-Ittihad

In August 2023, Benzema became the club captain for Al-Ittihad. In his first season, Al-Ittihad finished fifth in the league. Benzema scored 13 goals and had 8 assists in 29 matches. This led to changes in the club's management. He was later reunited with his former French manager, Laurent Blanc, before the 2024–25 season.

For the 2024–25 Al-Ittihad Club season, Benzema helped Al-Ittihad win the league title on 15 May. He scored 21 goals in 28 games and contributed to 30 goals that season. The club won the league with 77 points. Benzema also captained Al-Ittihad to win the domestic double, beating Al Qadsiah FC in the 2025 Saudi King's Cup Final. Benzema also won the individual award for player of the season in the league.

International Career

Youth Teams

Benzema played for all levels of the French youth international teams. He was part of a special group of players born in 1987, including Hatem Ben Arfa, Jérémy Ménez, and Samir Nasri. Benzema joined the team for the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in France. He scored in a 3–1 win over Northern Ireland. France went on to win the tournament.

He was a regular player for the under-18 team. He scored his first goal at this level against Poland. In the final against the hosts, he scored the first goal in a 2–0 win, making France champions. In 2005, he played in the Meridian Cup and scored five goals, helping France win. He finished his under-18 career with 14 goals in 18 games.

Benzema, Ben Arfa, Ménez, and Nasri also played together for the under-19 team. They aimed to win the 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Benzema scored one goal in a friendly against Norway. He also scored in the qualification rounds. In the Elite Round, he scored two goals against Bulgaria. France was eliminated despite being undefeated.

Benzema made his under-21 debut against Belgium. He played in qualification matches for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He played five games for the under-21 team but did not score. Before playing for the senior French team, Benzema was asked to play for Algeria, his parents' country. But he chose to play for France, saying it was "more for the sporting side."

Senior National Team

Euro 2008 Participation

Benzema playing for France in 2008

Benzema was first called up to the senior national team on 9 November 2006. He had to withdraw due to an injury. He made his international debut on 28 March 2007 against Austria. He came on as a substitute and scored the only goal of the match. On 13 October, Benzema scored two goals in a 6–0 win against the Faroe Islands. He was then chosen for the 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2008.

Benzema played his first game in the competition on 9 June 2008 against Romania. He started the match but was substituted. The game ended 0–0. He did not play in the 4–1 defeat to the Netherlands. He started in the final group game against Italy, but France lost 2–0 and were out of the tournament.

Missing the 2010 World Cup

Benzema remained a regular player for France. Before the qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he switched to the number ten shirt. On 5 June 2009, Benzema scored the only goal from a penalty against Turkey at his home stadium, the Stade de Gerland. He scored his first World Cup qualification goals in October 2009. However, he was not chosen for France's World Cup squad. The coach said it was because Benzema was struggling with his form at Real Madrid.

Euro 2012 and 2014 World Cup

Benzema playing for France at UEFA Euro 2012

After the World Cup, Benzema returned to the national team under new coach Laurent Blanc. Blanc wanted to build the attack around Benzema. Benzema returned to the team in a 2–1 defeat to Norway. He was one of the top scorers in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012, scoring three goals. On 17 November 2010, Benzema scored the first goal in France's 2–1 win over England at Wembley Stadium. In February 2011, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Brazil. On 29 May 2012, Benzema was named to the squad for Euro 2012. He scored two goals in a 4–0 win over Estonia before the tournament. At Euro 2012, he started against England. He assisted both goals in a 2–0 win against Ukraine.

On 11 October 2013, Benzema scored his first goal for France since June 2012 in a friendly against Australia. This ended a long scoring drought for him. France won the match 6–0. In the second game of the 2014 World Cup qualification play-off against Ukraine, Benzema scored France's second goal. France won 3–0 and qualified for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

On 6 June 2014, Benzema was named in France's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In the first match, a 3–0 win against Honduras, he scored two goals. He was named man of the match. In the second group game, he scored in a 5–2 win over Switzerland. France was later knocked out by eventual winners Germany in the quarter-finals.

Return to the Squad and Nations League Victory

After not playing for France for over five years, Benzema was officially included in France's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020 on 18 May 2021. He played his first game back on 2 June in a 3–0 win over Wales. On 23 June 2021, he scored two goals in a 2–2 draw against Portugal. He then scored two more goals in France's round-of-16 match against Switzerland. France was knocked out on penalties after a 3–3 draw. Benzema won the Euro 2020 bronze boot with four goals.

In the 2021 UEFA Nations League semi-final on 7 October, Benzema scored France's first goal in a 3–2 win over Belgium. He passed Zidane in France's scoring records. In the Final three days later, he scored an equalizing goal as France won the title for the first time with a 2–1 victory over Spain. He was named "Player of the Match." The Nations League was Benzema's first trophy with France's senior team.

On 13 November 2021, Benzema scored two goals in an 8–0 win over Kazakhstan in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. This made him France's fifth all-time top scorer. He was included in France's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, on 19 November, he had to miss the tournament due to a thigh injury. Even though he didn't play, Benzema still received a silver medal. On 19 December, Benzema announced he was retiring from the national team.

Playing Style

Benzema is known for both scoring goals and setting them up. He is considered one of the best strikers ever. He is creative, skillful, fast, and good in the air. He can score with either foot or his head. His Real Madrid manager, Ancelotti, called him "the best striker in the world" in 2021.

Benzema is not a typical number 9 striker who just stays in the box. He often drops deeper or moves wide to link up with midfielders. He can hold the ball and pass to teammates, showing his vision and creativity. This style led some to call him a "nine and a half." He is Real Madrid's second-highest goalscorer and top assist provider.

During his time at Madrid, Benzema was praised for his hard work and smart movement without the ball. He often pulled defenders out of position, creating space for his teammates. He had a strong partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema's movement helped create chances for Ronaldo. After Ronaldo left in 2018, Benzema became the main striker. He started scoring more goals and improved his shooting. He continued to create chances for his teammates.

Personal Life

Benzema in an Adidas music video (above) and a commercial (below) for Real Madrid in 2019 and 2018, respectively

Benzema was born in Lyon, France. His family are French citizens of Algerian descent. His grandfather moved to Lyon from Algeria in the 1950s. Benzema's father was born in Algeria, and his mother was born in Lyon. Karim is the third youngest of nine children. His younger brothers, Gressy and Sabri, also play football.

Karim has children. He is a practicing Muslim and observes fasting during Ramadan. He has said his faith helps him stay focused and gives him strength. In October 2023, Benzema showed support for victims in Gaza.

Benzema has been dating American model Jordan Ozuna since 2022. Ozuna is the mother of Benzema's fourth child. In 2023, Ozuna converted to Islam.

Benzema has been part of many advertising campaigns. He was an ambassador for the FIFA video game series. He has worked with companies like Hyundai, SFR, LCL, and bwin. He is sponsored by Adidas. In 2017, a documentary film about him called Le K Benzema was released. In 2020, Benzema started his own YouTube channel where he shares videos about his life and answers fan questions. In 2022, he became an official ambassador for Fendi sneakers.

Career Statistics

Club

International

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

List of international goals scored by Karim Benzema

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	28 March 2007	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	1	Austria	1–0	1–0	Friendly
2	13 October 2007	Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands	5	Faroe Islands	3–0	6–0	UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
3					5–0
4	20 August 2008	Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden	14	Sweden	1–1	3–2	Friendly
5	14 October 2008	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	18	Tunisia	3–1	3–1
6	5 June 2009	Stade de Gerland, Lyon, France	24	Turkey	1–0	1–0
7	10 October 2009	Stade de Roudourou, Guingamp, France	26	Faroe Islands	5–0	5–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
8	14 October 2009	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	27	Austria	1–0	3–1
9	7 September 2010	Koševo City Stadium, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina	29	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
10	12 October 2010	Stade Saint-Symphorien, Metz, France	31	Luxembourg	1–0	2–0
11	17 November 2010	Wembley Stadium, London, England	32	England	1–0	2–1	Friendly
12	9 February 2011	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	33	Brazil	1–0	1–0
13	2 September 2011	Stadiumi Qemal Stafa, Tirana, Albania	39	Albania	1–0	2–1	UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
14	5 June 2012	MMArena, Le Mans, France	45	Estonia	2–0	4–0	Friendly
15					3–0
16	11 October 2013	Parc des Princes, Paris, France	61	Australia	6–0	6–0
17	15 October 2013	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	62	Finland	3–0	3–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
18	19 November 2013		64	Ukraine	2–0	3–0
19	5 March 2014		65	Netherlands	1–0	2–0	Friendly
20	8 June 2014	Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France	66	Jamaica	3–0	8–0
21					5–0
22	15 June 2014	Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil	67	Honduras	1–0	3–0	2014 FIFA World Cup
23					3–0
24	20 June 2014	Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil	68	Switzerland	4–0	5–2
25	11 October 2014	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	74	Portugal	1–0	2–1	Friendly
26	8 October 2015	Allianz Riviera, Nice, France	81	Armenia	3–0	4–0
27					4–0
28	23 June 2021	Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary	86	Portugal	1–1	2–2	UEFA Euro 2020
29					2–1
30	28 June 2021	Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania	87	Switzerland	1–1	3–3 (aet)
31					2–1
32	7 October 2021	Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy	91	Belgium	1–2	3–2	2021 UEFA Nations League Finals
33	10 October 2021	San Siro, Milan, Italy	92	Spain	1–1	2–1	2021 UEFA Nations League final
34	13 November 2021	Parc des Princes, Paris, France	93	Kazakhstan	4–0	8–0	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
35					5–0
36	16 November 2021	Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland	94	Finland	1–0	2–0
37	3 June 2022	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	95	Denmark	1–0	1–2	2022–23 UEFA Nations League A

Honours and Awards

Lyon

• Ligue 1: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
• Coupe de France: 2007–08
• Trophée des Champions: 2006, 2007

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2011–12, 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22
• Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14, 2022–23
• Supercopa de España: 2012, 2017, 2020, 2022
• UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22
• UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022

Al-Ittihad

• Saudi Pro League: 2024–25
• King's Cup: 2024–25

France U17

• UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2004

France

• UEFA Nations League: 2020–21
• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2022

Individual Awards

• Ballon d'Or: 2022
• Marca Leyenda Award: 2023
• UEFA Men's Player of the Year: 2021–22
• Golden Player Man Award: 2022
• Onze d'Or: 2020–21, 2021–22
• French Player of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2021
• UEFA Champions League Player of the Season: 2021–22
• UEFA Champions League top goalscorer: 2021–22
• FIFA FIFPRO World 11: 2022
• 2023 FIFA Club World Cup: Joint top scorer
• La Liga Player of the Season: 2019–20, 2021–22
• La Liga Best Player (voted by Marca fans): 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22
• Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano: 2019–20, 2021–22
• Pichichi Trophy: 2021–22
• UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2011–12
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2020–21
• UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2021–22
• IFFHS Men's World Team: 2022
• Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year: 2022
• La Liga Team of the Season: 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
• UEFA La Liga Team of the Season: 2019–20
• Bravo Award: 2008
• Ligue 1 top scorer: 2007–08
• Coupe de France top scorer: 2007–08
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: January 2008, April 2008
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2007–08
• UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2007–08
• UNFP Best French Player Playing Abroad: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
• Golden Lion for the best Lyon sportsman: 2007, 2008
• French Rookie of the Year: 2006
• Étoile d'Or: 2007–08
• La Liga Player of the Month: October 2014, June 2020, March 2021, September 2021, April 2022
• Supercopa de España top scorer: 2021–22, 2022–23
• Real Madrid Player of the Season (voted by supporters): 2015–16, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021–22
• AS Player of the Year: 2021
• Kicker Player of the Season: 2022
• Madrid Sports Press Association Award (APDM)
• ESM Team of the Year: 2020–21, 2021–22
• L'Équipe's Team of the Year: 2020, 2021, 2022
• Saudi Pro League Player of the Season: 2024–25
• 2005 UEFA–CAF Meridian Cup top scorer
• UEFA European Championship Bronze Boot: 2020
• UEFA Nations League Finals Bronze Boot: 2021
• UEFA Nations League Finals Goal of the Tournament: 2021

Record

• Member of Guinness World Records 2021: Player with the most consecutive seasons in the UEFA Champions League (qualified for and played in the competition without interruption since 2005)

See also

In Spanish: Karim Benzema para niños

• List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances