Karim Benzema: Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Height And Football Life.

 

Karim Mostafa Benzema was born on the 19th of December, 1987 to parents with Algerian descent in Lyon, France. His father Hafid was born in Algeria while his mother Wahida Djebbara was born in Lyon, France. Karim is not the only child of his parents as he has 8 other siblings alongside him. Greasy,Sabri, Nafissa,Sofia, Farid, Laeticia Celia and Lydia are all his siblings as he is the third born of his parents. Also having a family on his own, Karim Benzema is married since 2016 to model Cora Gauthier. The 35 year old Benzema has three children; 8 year old Melia, 5 year old Ibrahim and a three year old Nouri even though Ibrahim is the only child Cora has with Benzema. 

 

Karim Benzema's net worth is currently estimated to be $70 million

 

The forward has a height of 1.85 metres

 

Even though Benzema has his lineage to Algeria, he plays his national team football for the European side France. "It's my parents country, it's in my heart. But well from a sporting perspective it's true I'll play in the French team. I'll always be available for the French team. It's more of the sporting side because Algeria is my country, you see my parents come from there. France on the other hand is more of a sport thing". This was Benzema reaction when he was asked why he plays for France rather than Algeria.

Benzema played in the youth team of French football from 2004-2006 where he played for the France U17,France  U18,France U19,France U21 making an appearance of 35 while scoring 20 goals for the France youth team. He won the Uefa U17 European Championship France 2004. He was then called up to the France senior team in 2007 where he played to 2015. He was not in the national team for scandals which were a sex scandal with an under age prostitute Zahia Dear and a blackmail scandal. He was later brought back in 2020/21 when he was found not guilty of all charges. On his return,he won the Uefa Nations League Italy 2021 and finished runner up in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after penalty shootout defeat to Argentina. At age 35, Benzema retired from international football. He said on his retirement that " I've made the effort and mistakes that were necessary for me to be where I am today and I'm proud of it. I've written my story and ours comes to an end". He said in an Instagram post. In his time with the French national team he scored 37 times in 97 appearance [ 2007-2022] 

 

Benzema started his youth career at AS Des Buers Villeurbanne from 1993-1996 after which he was sent to Bron for a season. He was then brought to Olimpique Lyonnais in 1997. 

 

On Benzema's arrival in 1997, he stayed at his hometown to 2009. In 2004, he played with the Lyon II where he played 20 games and scored 15 goals. He was promoted to be with the Lyon first team n Benzema helped Lyon win the Ligue I [France premier division trophy] four times in a row. That is from 2004-2008 seasons. He also won the Coupe de France in  the 2006/07 season and the Trophee des Champions in 2006 and 2007. At his time at Lyon, he scored 66 goals in 148 outings in five seasons. The doors at Real Madrid opened for his acquisition as he was valued at €35 million which would be extended to €41 million. A then record French transfer. 

 

At age 22, Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid. In joining Madrid he said "there were quite a few clubs that contacted me like Manchester United, Inter and Barcelona but I decided to come here". He also also said" Real Madrid is an excellent club". Benzema pulled off his weight really well as he was an integral part in one of the best trio in world football; the BBC consisting of him, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. He fasted during Ramadan, despite having to practice and play matches in the relentless heat in Spanish summer as he even had his best games in such period. Nothing was going to deter him from amassing trophies. He is one of few players to 5 Uefa Champions League [UCL] trophies. Overall, he has won 25 major trophies with the Spanish giant comprising of 5 UCL, 5 FIFA Club World Cup, 4 European Super Cup, 4 La liga titles, 3 Copa del Rey, 4 Spanish Super Cup in over 13 seasons. Benzema scored 354 goals in 648 appearances. The unexpected happened as it was time for him to depart from Madrid. In his farewell message he said " I've been lucky enough to fulfill my dream I had as a kid. I'll never forget Real Madrid. It's impossible. It's the best club in the history of the game. But I think now is the time to leave and experience a new story".  He was made captain in his final season. He also said on his departure; "it's a bit of a sad day as I'm leaving my club. I signed for Madrid and I wanted to retire here but it didn't happen that way. I will always be a Madrid fan. Thanks also to the fans who really gave me this strength. Thank you really. 

 

After emotional farewell, it was now set for him to join the Saudi Pro League as he joined the 2022/23 league champions Al-Ittihad and was made captain. He is not the only player to join the league as there are variety of football icons like his former teammate Ronaldo and former rival Neymar jnr.  On joining the league he said "I'm a Muslim and this is a Muslim country and I have always wanted to live here" as he grabbed the opportunity. 

 

Back in Lyon, he won the Rookie of the year in 2006, Coupe de France topscorer and provider, Ligue I topscorer in 2007/08 season. He also holds the Guinness World Record as the player to feature in UCL consecutive games since 2005-2023. He also have the French player of the year 2011,2012,2014,2021, UCL player of the season 2021/22 season, UCL topscorer and provider, La liga topscorer the Pichichi 2021/22 season, La liga team of the season for five seasons from 2018-2023. He was also in the IFFHS Men's World Team 2022. He also won the Uefa Men's player of the year 2021/22 as well as the Golden player Men's award 2022 and the 2022 Ballon d'Or in 2022. A whole lot of individual Honour for the forward throughout his decorated career. 

 

José Mourinho: "when I was his coach, he was a very talented player searching for his identity as a player at the highest level with the right ambition and the right physical condition". He also said "I wanted him to grow as fast as possible as I was hard on him". Yet Benzema did not complain. 

 

Ancelotti:"I bid him farewell [On Benzema leavinig Real Madrid] in the knowledge that I've coached one of the greatest player in the world and one of the best strikers". 

 

Messi:"I think Benzema was the fair winner [the Ballon d'Or]. He deserves for the great years he had and what he has been doing throughout his career. He is a wonderful player and I think it's wonderful for him and for soccer that he has this recognition". 

Karim Benzema style of play always makes football exciting, hopefully he can continue to raise football in Saudi Arabia as that is what he said.