Check out everything you need to know about Karim Benzema. His Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Height, and Football Career Life.
Karim Benzema, a French professional football player of Algerian descent, recently made headlines by joining the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad from Spanish and European giants Real Madrid.
Profile Summary
- Full Name: Karim Mostafa Benzema
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: December 19, 1987
- Age: 36 years old (as of 2024)
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Place of Birth: Lyon, France
- Current Residence: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Nationality: French
- Ethnicity: Algerian descent
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Brown
- Famous For: Professional footballer
- Occupation: Football Player
- Marital Status: Married to Cora Gauthier
- Children: Three (Melia, Ibrahim, Nouri)
- Height: 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch)
- Net Worth: $70 million
Biography
Karim Mostafa Benzema was born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France, to parents of Algerian descent. His father, Hafid, was born in Algeria, while his mother, Wahida Djebbara, was born in Lyon. Karim has eight siblings: Greasy, Sabri, Nafissa, Sofia, Farid, Laeticia, Celia, and Lydia. Karim, the third born, is married to model Cora Gauthier since 2016 and they have three children: Melia (8 years old), Ibrahim (5 years old), and Nouri (3 years old), although only Ibrahim is Cora’s biological child with Benzema.
Net Worth
Karim Benzema’s net worth is estimated to be $70 million.
Height
Karim Benzema stands at a height of 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch).
International Football Career
Though Benzema is of Algerian descent, he plays international football for France. When asked about his choice, he explained, “It’s my parents’ country, it’s in my heart. But from a sporting perspective, I’ll always be available for the French team.” Benzema represented France at various youth levels from 2004 to 2006, scoring 20 goals in 35 appearances and winning the UEFA U17 European Championship in 2004.
He was called up to the French senior team in 2007, playing until 2015 before a series of scandals led to his temporary exclusion. Benzema was cleared of all charges and returned to the national team in 2020, where he won the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and finished as a runner-up in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football at 35, having scored 37 goals in 97 appearances.
RELATED:Â Leny Yoro: Biography, Stats, Parents, Net Worth, Salary, Football Career, Assists & Goals
Club Football and Team Trophies
Youth Career and Lyon: Benzema began his youth career at AS Des Buers Villeurbanne in 1993 and later moved to Bron for a season before joining Olympique Lyonnais in 1997. At Lyon, he played for Lyon II, scoring 15 goals in 20 games before being promoted to the first team. He helped Lyon win four consecutive Ligue 1 titles, the Coupe de France, and two Trophée des Champions titles, scoring 66 goals in 148 appearances.
Real Madrid: In 2009, Benzema joined Real Madrid for a then-record French transfer fee of €35 million, which could rise to €41 million. He formed part of the formidable “BBC” trio with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Over 13 seasons, he won 25 major trophies, including 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 5 FIFA Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 3 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 Spanish Super Cups, scoring 354 goals in 648 appearances.
Al-Ittihad: In 2023, Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, becoming the team captain. He expressed excitement about living in a Muslim country and continuing his football journey alongside other football icons like Ronaldo and Neymar Jr.
Individual Honors
Benzema has received numerous accolades throughout his career:
- Rookie of the Year (2006)
- Coupe de France Top Scorer and Provider
- Ligue 1 Top Scorer (2007/08)
- Guinness World Record for consecutive UEFA Champions League appearances (2005-2023)
- French Player of the Year (2011, 2012, 2014, 2021)
- UEFA Champions League Player of the Season (2021/22)
- La Liga Top Scorer (Pichichi Trophy, 2021/22)
- UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2021/22)
- Ballon d’Or (2022)
- And many more individual awards
Football Personalities on Benzema
- José Mourinho: “When I was his coach, he was a very talented player searching for his identity at the highest level. I wanted him to grow quickly, so I was hard on him, but he never complained.”
- Carlo Ancelotti: “I bid him farewell [on Benzema leaving Real Madrid] knowing I’ve coached one of the greatest players and best strikers in the world.”
- Lionel Messi: “I think Benzema was the fair winner [of the Ballon d’Or]. He deserves it for the great years he had and what he has done throughout his career.”
FAQs
- What is Karim Benzema known for? Karim Benzema is known for his illustrious football career, particularly his time at Real Madrid where he won numerous trophies and individual awards.
- Why did Karim Benzema play for France instead of Algeria? Although Benzema has Algerian roots, he chose to represent France in international football, citing both sporting reasons and his upbringing in France.
- How many goals did Karim Benzema score for the French national team? Benzema scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for the French national team from 2007 to 2022.
- Who is Karim Benzema married to? Karim Benzema is married to model Cora Gauthier since 2016.
- How many children does Karim Benzema have? Karim Benzema has three children: Melia, Ibrahim, and Nouri.