Learn all About Karim Benzema: Unmissable Curiosities!

Discover fascinating facts about Karim Benzema!

Karim Mostafa Benzema is a French footballer who currently plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

He was born on December 19, 1987 in the city of Lyon, and like most great players, he started his journey at a very young age.

The player is renowned for his exceptional ability to score goals, dribble and create scoring opportunities.

He has won five Champions League titles and four La Liga titles, making him Real Madrid’s second-highest scorer with 342 goals.

Off the field, he is calm and reserved, keeping his personal life private. Many consider him one of the greatest players of his generation. Continue reading to discover more fascinating facts about him.

1. He could have played for the Algerian national team

Karim Benzema, the son of French parents with Algerian ancestry, was the target of attempts by the Algerian Football Federation to represent the national team, but chose to play for France.

In an interview, he explained that his decision was more driven by the sporting aspect in relation to France, despite his family roots in Algeria.

2. He was a ball boy at Lyon

The star started his career as a young boy, at the local club Bron Terraillon at the age of 8.

By scoring two goals against Lyon in an Under-10 match, he drew some attention from the opposing club.

Due to this, Lyon officials went to the player’s club. The objective was to convince the president to sell Karim.

He refused and negotiation was only possible after talking to the young man’s parents. It was during this time that Karim worked as a ball boy during the main team’s games.

3. Distributed an assist on his debut for Lyon

At Lyon, Karim made his debut for the professional team on January 15, 2005. in the Ligue 1 game against Metz. Aged just 17, he came on in the 77th minute to replace Pierre-Alain Frau.

After Juninho opened the scoring in the 84th minute, the player assisted Bryan Bergougnoux, who managed to make it 2-0 in the 86th minute.

4. Debut in the French national team

The big dream of participating in the French national team came with his first call-up on November 9, 2006.

However, due to an injury suffered. during a game for Lyon, he had to withdraw from the national team.

Due to this event, Karim had to wait another four months and then make his big debut for the French national team, in a match against Austria.

At the start of the game he was on the reserve., and after the break he was put in place of Djibril Cissé, then scoring the only goal of the match.

5. Benzema was advised by Zinédine Zidane to lose weight

With Zidane returning to Real Madrid as sporting director in 2011, Benzema followed his recommendation to lose weight, visiting a clinic in Italy where he received effective therapy to lose eight kilos and gain muscle mass.

He scored eight goals in seven pre-season games, being recognized as the team’s main striker.

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

After his incredible performance in the 2021-22 season, winning the Pichichi Trophy and being the top scorer in the Champions League, on October 17, 2022 he received the Golden Ball award.

Upon receipt, it made him the oldest player since Stanley Matthews to win the award. When Benzema won he was 34 years and 302 days old.

Curiosities about Karim Benzema(Google Source)

7. Most goals scored by a French player in history

Karim is one of the greatest, if not the greatest French player that ever existed.

As he hangs up his boots he will be remembered as the greatest French goalscorerv. in the history of football.

At the age of 35, he had already scored 445 goals in 879 games, 66 goals for Lyon, 37 for the France national team and 342 for Real Madrid

8. His name appears in the Guinness Book

This French star holds the World Record for scoring in 18 straight Champions League seasons, starting in 2005-06. Another player who also has the same record is the famous Argentine Lionel Messi.

Conclusion

Karim Benzema’s rise from a young talent in Lyon to a football legend is remarkable. He excelled at Lyon, Real Madrid, and now Al-Ittihad, known for his goal-scoring and playmaking.

His decision to play for France, early days as a ballboy, and impactful debuts show his dedication.

With Champions League titles, a Ballon d’Or, and a Guinness World Record, his legacy is well-deserved and celebrated.