Fun facts about Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer, is known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities. He currently plays as a striker for both the French National team and Al-Ittihad football club. Benzema’s prowess as a finisher inside the box and his immense talent as a striker have earned him high praise.

Benzema began his football career with his local club, Bron Terraillon, before making his professional debut with Lyon in the 2004-2005 season. Although he initially had sporadic appearances in the first three seasons, his team managed to secure three titles during that time. However, it was in the 2007-2008 season that Benzema truly made his mark, scoring over 30 goals and helping Lyon clinch their seventh consecutive league title.

His outstanding performances led to him being named the UNFP League 1 Player of the Year and earning a spot in the Team of the Year. Additionally, he was recognized as the league’s top scorer and received the prestigious Bravo Award from Guerin Sportivo magazine.

In 2009, Benzema made a transfer to Real Madrid for a fee exceeding €35 million, signing a six-year contract. By his third season with the club, he had firmly established himself as a key player, scoring 32 goals and contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s triumph in the 2011-2012 edition of La Liga, as well as their victory in the Copa del Rey in 2011.

Benzema’s power and resilience on the pitch have played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success, helping them secure the Champions League title four times. He has been named the French Player of the Year on three occasions, recognizing his exceptional performances in 2011, 2012, and 2014.

On 6 June 2023, Al-Ittihad, a team in the Saudi Professional League, officially announced the signing of Benzema on a free transfer. Want to know some interesting facts about him? Read on to find out.

1. Large family

Benzema is from a huge clan. He has a total of eight siblings, consisting of three brothers and five sisters. Amongst them, the Real Madrid sensation holds the position of the third youngest.

Interestingly, his two younger brothers, Gressy and Sabri, have also ventured into the world of football, albeit not reaching the same pinnacle of success as Karim.

2. Was a ball boy for Lyon

At the age of eight, Benzema started his football journey with his local club, Bron Terraillon. His talent shone through when he scored two goals against the Lyon Youth Academy in a U-10 match, catching the eye of Lyon club officials.

Lyon representatives made a personal visit to persuade Bron Terraillon to sell him, but the club’s president, Serge Santa Cruz, initially refused. Eventually, after discussions with Benzema’s parents, an agreement was reached. This marked the beginning of Benzema’s time as a ballboy for Lyon’s senior squad matches.

3. Registered an assist on his debut for Lyon

Benzema played his first match for Lyon’s senior squad on January 15, 2005, during a Ligue 1 match against Metz. At that time, he was 17 years old and entered the game in the 77th minute, replacing Pierre-Alain Frau.

The score was still tied at that point. Following Juninho’s goal in the 84th minute, Benzema assisted Bryan Bergougnoux, who scored Lyon’s second goal in the 86th minute.

4. Documentary about his life

In 2017, the documentary ‘Le K Benzema’ was released, showcasing the remarkable journey of Benzema from Lyon to becoming a global star at Real Madrid.

The film includes insightful interviews with his parents, friends, and teammates, providing a deeper understanding of his life. It delves into his special bond with French rapper Booba and his strong connection with coach Zinedine Zidane.

5. Benzema began his career at his hometown

Benzema started his football journey at the tender age of eight, joining his local club Bron Terraillon SC. During his time at the club, he earned the affectionate nickname “Coco” from his friends. His exceptional skills were evident when he netted two goals in an under-10 match against the renowned Lyon youth academy, capturing the attention of the city’s prominent club.

6. Fastest Goal In EL Clasico History

In December 2011, Karim achieved a remarkable feat by scoring in a LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in a mere 22 seconds. This extraordinary accomplishment solidified his position as the fastest-ever goalscorer in the illustrious history of club football’s greatest game.

Over the years, since 2009, he has managed to find the back of the net nine times against his team’s fiercest adversaries, placing him fourth on the list of active goal scorers. Only Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Suarez surpass him in this impressive ranking.

7. Among the top five Champions League scorers

Benzema may not be the initial player that springs to mind when considering the leading goal scorers in the history of the Champions League. However, the French striker has an exceptional record of 70 goals from 126 appearances in the competition.

Notably, he netted 12 goals during his time at Lyon before joining Real Madrid in 2009, where he has since scored an impressive 58 goals. As of now, Benzema holds the fifth position in the all-time La Liga goal scorers list, following the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Raul Gonzalez.

8. Guinness Book of World Records

Benzema was included in the Guinness World Record in 2021, alongside Lionel Messi, for scoring his first goal of the current Champions League season against Sheriff Tiraspol. Since the 2005/06 season, both Benzema and Messi have managed to score in the Champions League for 17 consecutive seasons.

9. Oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick

Benzema achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the most senior player in history to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Champions League match. At the age of 34 years and 108 days, he guided Real Madrid to a triumphant 3-1 victory against Chelsea in the first leg of their quarterfinal. This outstanding performance surpassed the previous hat-trick record held by his fellow countryman, Olivier Giroud.

10. Second oldest player to win the Ballon d’Or

After his remarkable performance in the 2021-22 season, where he clinched the Pichichi Trophy and emerged as the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, in addition to leading his team to victory in both the league and the UCL, Benzema was honored with the prestigious 2022 Ballon d’Or award on October 17th, 2022.

This achievement marked him as the first French player since Zidane (1998) to receive this esteemed recognition. By accomplishing this feat, he joined the ranks of the oldest players to ever win the Ballon d’Or, following in the footsteps of Stanley Matthews who secured the award at the inaugural ceremony in 1956, when he was 41 years and 10 months old. At the time of his triumph, Benzema was 34 years and 302 days old.

11. Most assists in Real Madrid history

Benzema has scored 342 goals in 634 matches, making him the second-highest goalscorer in Real Madrid history. Additionally, he holds the record for the most assists in the club’s history with 164, surpassing all other players.

On the other hand, Ronaldo, the record goalscorer with 450 goals in 438 games, falls behind Benzema in assists, with 130 to his name.