Karim Benzema, a French professional footballer, boasts a net worth of $200 million. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers to have played for Real Madrid, Benzema has captured the hearts of “Los Blancos” fans with his remarkable skills. Over the years, he’s demonstrated not only a natural ability to score goals but also an exceptional talent for playmaking. His ability to link up with other attackers, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo, has earned him global recognition.
In addition to his success at club level, Benzema has been an important member of the French national team for many years. However, his popularity in France does not match the adulation he receives from Madrid fans. Controversies and scandals have affected his image in his home country, and his Algerian roots have created a degree of disconnect with the French team.
Saudi Contract
In June 2023, Karim Benzema signed a two-year, $436 million deal with the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ittihad. This remarkable contract is among the largest in sports history, with an average annual salary of $214,534,727. This move marked a significant turning point in Benzema’s career, following his 14-year spell at Real Madrid, where he accumulated five Champions League trophies, four La Liga titles, and three Copas del Rey. His signing was seen as a landmark moment for Al-Ittihad, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to privatize major football clubs to boost the Saudi Pro League’s revenues.
Early Life
Karim Mostafa Benzema was born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France. Though his parents are French, he has Algerian ancestry. Raised in a Muslim family with seven siblings, Benzema was introduced to the practice of fasting during Ramadan, a tradition he continues to observe. His soccer journey began at the age of eight when he started playing competitively.
Career Beginnings
Benzema’s football career took off after scoring two goals against Lyon’s youth team during a U-10 match. This impressive performance led to a trial with the French club, where he earned a spot in their youth academy. After briefly serving as a ballboy for Lyon’s senior team, he made a strong impression by scoring 38 goals at the U-16 level. This success propelled him to Lyon’s reserve team, and by 2004, he was promoted to the senior squad.
His consistent performances earned him a three-year contract with Lyon, and soon after, he made his debut in the Champions League, even scoring his first goal in the competition. As his skills flourished, Benzema secured more playing time and eventually established himself as Lyon’s main striker. From that point forward, he became a prolific goalscorer, regularly delivering hat-tricks, doubles, and key goals in the Champions League.
Lyon to Real Madrid
In 2008, Benzema signed a new contract that made him one of France’s highest-paid players. He also finished as the league’s top scorer and was in contention for the Ballon d’Or. These accomplishments led Lyon to set a 100-million-euro price tag on Benzema as top clubs began showing interest. The following year, Real Madrid secured his services with a 35-million-euro fee, plus an additional 41 million euros in potential incentives.
Initially, Benzema struggled to secure a starting spot at Madrid, and criticism from the Spanish media followed. However, after scoring crucial goals, his position at the club improved. His fortunes further changed with the arrival of José Mourinho as manager in 2010. Though Mourinho initially doubted Benzema’s ability to thrive as Madrid’s main striker, injuries to other players created an opportunity. Benzema seized this chance, scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League and another three goals in a Copa del Rey match against Levante.
Benzema’s Rise at Real Madrid
With his growing influence, Benzema lost 18 pounds and built muscle before the 2011-12 season. This physical transformation had a major impact on his performances, as he scored eight goals in the first seven matches of the season. This period marked the beginning of Benzema’s peak, and he soon surpassed Zinedine Zidane’s record to become La Liga’s top French goalscorer. He went on to win the French Footballer of the Year award multiple times.
In the 2013-14 season, Benzema played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in one of Europe’s most formidable attacking trios. Together, they scored 97 goals that season, a testament to their chemistry. Before the next season, Benzema signed a five-year contract extension with Madrid, and his form continued to impress. In 2020, Benzema reached a milestone, scoring his 250th goal for the club.
International Career Challenges
Benzema’s international career with France has been marked by several challenges. His first major international tournament was Euro 2008, followed by the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. Benzema then earned a place in the 2014 World Cup squad. However, his international journey was disrupted by controversies that led to his exclusion from both the Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup squads. In 2019, Benzema voiced frustration over his absence from the French national team and even hinted at the possibility of representing Algeria instead.
Personal Life and Family
Karim Benzema is married to Cora Gauthier, and the couple has two children together. Despite his success on the pitch, his personal life has occasionally been the subject of public scrutiny.
Challenges in France
Benzema’s relationship with his home country has been strained by several factors. In 2006, he controversially stated that he would have preferred to play for the Algerian national team, though he chose France due to its higher level of competition. This admission angered many French fans. Additionally, Benzema’s reluctance to sing the French national anthem before matches further fueled the controversy.
Legal Troubles
Benzema’s career has also been marred by legal issues. In 2010, French authorities investigated him for alleged involvement in a prostitution ring, with accusations that he had paid for the services of a 16-year-old girl. However, the charges were dropped in 2014 due to insufficient evidence.
Later, in 2015, Benzema faced legal trouble again when French teammate Mathieu Valbuena accused him of blackmail. Benzema allegedly attempted to blackmail Valbuena with a sex tape to secure a spot in the French national team. This incident led to Benzema’s suspension, though French courts later invalidated the blackmail charges.
Karim Benzema’s career has been marked by a blend of extraordinary talent and personal controversies. Despite facing challenges both on and off the field, he remains one of the most gifted and successful strikers in the world. From his rise at Lyon to his illustrious career at Real Madrid and his groundbreaking move to Saudi Arabia, Benzema’s legacy continues to evolve. His career serves as a testament to his resilience, skill, and dedication to the game, even as he navigates the complexities of fame and personal life.
