{"id":292253,"first_name":"Karim Mostafa","last_name":"Benzema","short_name":"K. Benzema","common_name":"Karim Benzema","place_of_birth":"Lyon","gender":"male","height":184,"weight":84,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T15:54:41.997Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:06:56.853Z","locale":"en","age":37,"stb_id":"karim-benzema","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Karim Benzema","top_position":null,"introduction":"Karim Mostafa Benzema, born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France, is a highly renowned French professional footballer who excels as a striker. With a football journey marked by his exceptional technical skills, vision, and versatility on the field, he is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time. Benzema presently captains the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, following a distinguished tenure at Real Madrid, during which he became the club's second-highest all-time goalscorer and top assist provider. Throughout his career, he has accrued numerous accolades, including five UEFA Champions League titles and over 97 caps for the French national team.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nBorn in Lyon, France, on December 19, 1987, Karim Benzema originates from French nationals of Algerian descent. His early years in the eastern suburbs of Lyon, specifically in Bron, involved a large family with eight siblings. The influence of his parents, particularly with Algerian roots, played an essential role in his upbringing. Benzema's passion for football manifested early on, with his family environment being central to his burgeoning interest in the sport.\n\n## Youth Career\nBenzema's football journey started at Bron Terraillon, a local club where his potential quickly became apparent at a young age. His performance in this club drew attention, subsequently leading to his successful trial with Lyon's youth academy. In Lyon's academy, Benzema rapidly progressed through the ranks, standing out strikingly, evidenced by his impressive goal-scoring feats in the Championnat National des 16 ans, where he netted 38 goals.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\nBenzema's professional debut came in January 2005 with Lyon, where he quickly demonstrated his talent by contributing to multiple Ligue 1 titles and significantly impacting Lyon's domestic success. In 2009, he made a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid for €35 million. Initially struggling at Madrid, Benzema became indispensable, forming a part of the famous 'BBC' attacking trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, contributing to multiple Champions League triumphs. After Ronaldo's departure, Benzema emerged as the main striker, contributing incredibly to Real Madrid's 2022 Champions League victory and claimed the Pichichi Trophy in the same year. In the summer of 2023, Benzema began a new chapter with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, emerging as a key player in the process.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nBenzema was a regular feature in France's youth squads, contributing to their title win at the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. His scoring prowess was evident in competitions at various levels, notably the Under-18 and Under-19 teams, leading him to be considered one of France's promising talents.\n\n### Senior National Team\nBenzema made his senior debut for the French national team in 2007. Although he experienced a controversial period, being left out of the 2010 World Cup, he returned stronger for subsequent major tournaments. Benzema's influential performances at Euro 2012, and after a hiatus, his return to Euro 2020 highlighted his crucial role in the national team setup. Overall, he amassed 97 caps and scored 37 goals, becoming one of his country’s top scorers.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nKnown for being an immensely talented forward, Benzema is recognized for his creativity, technical skills, and ability to score and assist with remarkable prowess. While naturally right-footed, he demonstrates expertise with either foot and excels at headers. His adaptability allows him to operate across various offensive roles, including as a centre forward or supporting playmaker, bolstered by elite vision and tactical intelligence that stems from his unique ability to create opportunities for teammates and himself.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nBenzema’s career statistics are remarkable, with over 400 goals for club and country, solidifying his place as Real Madrid's all-time second-highest scorer and top assist provider.\n\n## Records\nBenzema ranks highly in numerous categories including being the second top-scorer and top assist provider for Real Madrid. He also holds several league titles, as well as substantial contributions to Real Madrid's status as a dominant force in European football.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- La Liga: 2011–12, 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22\n- UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22\n- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022\n- UEFA Nations League: 2020–21\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Ballon d'Or: 2022\n- UEFA Men's Player of the Year: 2021–22\n- French Player of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2021\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nBenzema has received widespread acclaim throughout his career, being named the France Football French Player of the Year four times and winning numerous individual accolades such as the Ballon d'Or in 2022, demonstrating his significant status in world football.","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nBenzema’s career remains unparalleled in many respects - establishing himself not only as one of football’s great strikers but as a pivotal figure and leader within Real Madrid and the French national team. His style and impact have redefined the roles of modern strikers, effectively contributing both on and off the field.\n\n## Off the Field\nBeyond the pitch, Benzema engages actively in commercial ventures and has become a prominent figure in football advertising, representing brands like Adidas. His public image has been shaped by both his on-field success and his off-field activities, including participation in commercials and philanthropic engagements.\n\n## Personal Life\nBenzema maintains a private personal life, although it is known he’s a practicing Muslim and observes Ramadan. His family roots in Algeria remain an integral part of his identity, while his personal relationships and family have been subjects of public interest over the years.","stb_internal_id":"01930755-c46e-7d3b-a9d9-1e65ce888c34","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-forward","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":true,"introduction_html":"

Karim Mostafa Benzema, born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France, is a highly renowned French professional footballer who excels as a striker. With a football journey marked by his exceptional technical skills, vision, and versatility on the field, he is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time. Benzema presently captains the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, following a distinguished tenure at Real Madrid, during which he became the club's second-highest all-time goalscorer and top assist provider. Throughout his career, he has accrued numerous accolades, including five UEFA Champions League titles and over 97 caps for the French national team.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Born in Lyon, France, on December 19, 1987, Karim Benzema originates from French nationals of Algerian descent. His early years in the eastern suburbs of Lyon, specifically in Bron, involved a large family with eight siblings. The influence of his parents, particularly with Algerian roots, played an essential role in his upbringing. Benzema's passion for football manifested early on, with his family environment being central to his burgeoning interest in the sport.

Youth Career

Benzema's football journey started at Bron Terraillon, a local club where his potential quickly became apparent at a young age. His performance in this club drew attention, subsequently leading to his successful trial with Lyon's youth academy. In Lyon's academy, Benzema rapidly progressed through the ranks, standing out strikingly, evidenced by his impressive goal-scoring feats in the Championnat National des 16 ans, where he netted 38 goals.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Benzema's professional debut came in January 2005 with Lyon, where he quickly demonstrated his talent by contributing to multiple Ligue 1 titles and significantly impacting Lyon's domestic success. In 2009, he made a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid for €35 million. Initially struggling at Madrid, Benzema became indispensable, forming a part of the famous 'BBC' attacking trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, contributing to multiple Champions League triumphs. After Ronaldo's departure, Benzema emerged as the main striker, contributing incredibly to Real Madrid's 2022 Champions League victory and claimed the Pichichi Trophy in the same year. In the summer of 2023, Benzema began a new chapter with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, emerging as a key player in the process.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Benzema was a regular feature in France's youth squads, contributing to their title win at the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. His scoring prowess was evident in competitions at various levels, notably the Under-18 and Under-19 teams, leading him to be considered one of France's promising talents.

Senior National Team

Benzema made his senior debut for the French national team in 2007. Although he experienced a controversial period, being left out of the 2010 World Cup, he returned stronger for subsequent major tournaments. Benzema's influential performances at Euro 2012, and after a hiatus, his return to Euro 2020 highlighted his crucial role in the national team setup. Overall, he amassed 97 caps and scored 37 goals, becoming one of his country’s top scorers.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Known for being an immensely talented forward, Benzema is recognized for his creativity, technical skills, and ability to score and assist with remarkable prowess. While naturally right-footed, he demonstrates expertise with either foot and excels at headers. His adaptability allows him to operate across various offensive roles, including as a centre forward or supporting playmaker, bolstered by elite vision and tactical intelligence that stems from his unique ability to create opportunities for teammates and himself.

Performance Statistics

Benzema’s career statistics are remarkable, with over 400 goals for club and country, solidifying his place as Real Madrid's all-time second-highest scorer and top assist provider.

Records

Benzema ranks highly in numerous categories including being the second top-scorer and top assist provider for Real Madrid. He also holds several league titles, as well as substantial contributions to Real Madrid's status as a dominant force in European football.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

La Liga: 2011–12, 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22
UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22
FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022
UEFA Nations League: 2020–21

Individual Achievements

Ballon d'Or: 2022
UEFA Men's Player of the Year: 2021–22
French Player of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2021

Awards and Recognition

Benzema has received widespread acclaim throughout his career, being named the France Football French Player of the Year four times and winning numerous individual accolades such as the Ballon d'Or in 2022, demonstrating his significant status in world football.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Benzema’s career remains unparalleled in many respects - establishing himself not only as one of football’s great strikers but as a pivotal figure and leader within Real Madrid and the French national team. His style and impact have redefined the roles of modern strikers, effectively contributing both on and off the field.

Off the Field

Beyond the pitch, Benzema engages actively in commercial ventures and has become a prominent figure in football advertising, representing brands like Adidas. His public image has been shaped by both his on-field success and his off-field activities, including participation in commercials and philanthropic engagements.

Personal Life

Benzema maintains a private personal life, although it is known he’s a practicing Muslim and observes Ramadan. His family roots in Algeria remain an integral part of his identity, while his personal relationships and family have been subjects of public interest over the years.

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Karim Benzema: Profile