Karim Benzema is a highly regarded French professional footballer known for his exceptional skills and vision on the field. Playing as a striker for Al-Ittihad and formerly for Real Madrid, he is renowned as one of the greatest strikers of all time. His impressive career boasts numerous achievements, including being Real Madrid's second-highest goalscorer and top assist provider. Benzema's trophy cabinet reflects his success, containing an impressive 25 trophies from his time with Real Madrid, including multiple La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League titles. His remarkable career goal tally exceeds 500 for both club and country.
December 1987: Birth of Karim Benzema
In December 1987, Karim Benzema was born in Lyon, France. He would go on to become one of the world's best strikers.
1987: Birth and Early Career
Born in 1987, Benzema's football journey began early, representing France across various youth levels, becoming part of the celebrated "Génération 1987". This group, known for producing several football stars, including Hatem Ben Arfa, Jérémy Ménez, and Samir Nasri, showcased Benzema's talent on an international platform from a young age.
September 2004: Dominating Under-18 Performances
Throughout September 2004, Benzema continued to excel, establishing himself as a regular in the under-18 team and making his debut in a tournament held in the Czech Republic. His consistent performance, marked by crucial goals in games, including a final match against Poland, solidified his position as a rising star. His performances earned praise for his efficiency and contribution to the team's success.
2004: Prolific Scoring in Lyon's Youth Academy
During his time in Lyon's youth academy, Benzema showcased his goal-scoring prowess, netting an impressive 38 goals in the Championnat National des 16 ans in 2004.
2004: UEFA European Under-17 Championship
In 2004, Benzema made his mark on the international stage at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship held in France. He played a key role in France's victory, scoring crucial goals in the tournament, including one against Northern Ireland in a 3-1 win and contributing to the team's success in the final against Spain. This tournament highlighted his potential and marked the beginning of his rise in international football.
January 2005: Professional Debut and First Contract
Benzema made his professional debut for Lyon on January 15, 2005, coming on as a substitute and providing an assist. He signed his first professional contract later that month.
May 2005: Meridian Cup Triumph
In May 2005, Benzema's prowess was on full display during the Meridian Cup. He emerged as a top scorer, netting five goals throughout the tournament. His contributions were instrumental in France's championship win, including a standout performance against Slovakia, where he scored all four goals in a resounding 4-1 victory. Benzema's performance cemented his place as a key player and earned him accolades for his exceptional goal-scoring ability.
October 2005: Season Debut and Struggle for Minutes
Benzema's 2005-2006 season debut came on October 2, 2005, in a league win against Rennes. He faced challenges securing significant playing time due to competition from other strikers.
2005: Benzema Begins Professional Career with Lyon
In 2005, Karim Benzema began his professional football career with his hometown club, Lyon.
March 2006: First Professional League Goal
On March 4, 2006, Benzema celebrated a significant milestone by scoring his first professional league goal in a 3-1 victory against Ajaccio.
August 2006: Strong Start and Impressive Performances
The 2006-2007 season saw Benzema starting strong, scoring key goals in various competitions, including a brace against Nice in August 2006.
November 2006: First Senior National Team Call-Up
In a significant step forward, November 2006 marked Benzema's first call-up to the senior French national team by coach Raymond Domenech. Despite a thigh injury forcing him to withdraw from the friendly match against Greece, this marked his arrival as a rising star in French football, signaling a bright future ahead.
December 2006: Choosing France
In December 2006, Benzema faced a significant decision regarding his international allegiance. Courted by the Algerian Football Federation, he ultimately chose to represent France, the country of his birth. This decision, influenced by a deep connection to his French identity and football aspirations, set the stage for his future contributions to the French national team.
December 2006: Benzema's Comments on Algeria and the French National Anthem
In December 2006, Benzema sparked controversy due to his comments about potentially playing for the Algerian national team and his reluctance to sing the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise."
2006: UEFA European Under-19 Championship Journey
The year 2006 marked Benzema's journey in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He continued to showcase his scoring ability with crucial goals during the qualifying rounds. Despite remaining undefeated in their group, France faced a setback with a draw against Scotland, leading to their elimination from the tournament based on points. Despite this, Benzema's performance stood out, demonstrating his growing influence on the international stage.
February 2007: Return from Injury and Lyon's Continued Dominance
After recovering from a thigh injury that sidelined him for three months, Benzema returned to action in February 2007, contributing to Lyon's sixth consecutive league title.
February 2007: Missed Opportunity
Benzema faced a setback in February 2007 as he was not selected for the national team's friendly match against Argentina. This omission, however, proved to be temporary as he continued to impress with his club performances, keeping him in contention for a spot on the national team.
March 2007: International Debut
March 2007 marked a pivotal moment in Benzema's career as he made his much-anticipated debut for the French national team in a friendly match against Austria. Coming on as a substitute, he made an immediate impact by scoring the only goal of the game, announcing his arrival on the international stage with a memorable performance.
2007: Under-21 Debut and Algerian Interest
Benzema's ascent continued in 2007 with his debut for the French under-21 team, marking another milestone in his burgeoning career. His performances, however, couldn't prevent the team's defeat against Israel during the qualifying playoffs. This period was marked by a significant decision: despite being sought after by the Algerian Football Federation, Benzema publicly declared his allegiance to France, highlighting his commitment to representing the nation of his birth.
2007: Senior Debut for France
At the age of 19, Karim Benzema made his senior debut for the French national football team in 2007.
2007: Leading the Line and a Historic Double
With key departures from Lyon, Benzema took on the lead striker role in the 2007-2008 season. He flourished under manager Alain Perrin, scoring 31 goals in 51 games and leading Lyon to a historic league and cup double.
March 2008: Lucrative Contract Extension and Highest-Paid Player in France
Benzema's exceptional performances earned him a contract extension with Lyon in March 2008, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in France.
June 2008: Debut and Criticism in Euro 2008
In June 2008, Benzema made his debut for France in the Euro 2008 competition. However, his performance was met with criticism from the French media, who cited his lack of international experience and frustrating performance in the opening match against Romania.
November 2008: Accusations of Insolence
In November 2008, Benzema, along with other young players, faced accusations of insolence during the Euro 2008 campaign. These accusations came from teammate William Gallas, who made the claims in his autobiography. Reports also emerged of Benzema being labeled as "arrogant" by other national team players.
2008: First Real Madrid Captain to Score a Hat-trick Since Raul
Benzema became the first Real Madrid captain to score a hat-trick since Raul achieved this feat in 2008.
2008: Ligue 1 Player of the Year
Benzema was named Ligue 1's Player of the Year in 2008 after leading the league in goalscoring and winning his fourth league title with Lyon.
2008: UEFA Euro 2008 Selection
Benzema's consistent performances earned him a spot in the 23-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament. This selection solidified his status as an integral part of the French national team and provided a valuable opportunity to showcase his talent on one of football's biggest stages.
2008: Switch to Number Ten
Following Euro 2008, Benzema changed his jersey number to ten after previously wearing number nine.
2008: Successful Start to the 2008-2009 Season for Lyon
In 2008, Benzema had a great start to the season with Lyon, scoring twice in the opening match and in subsequent games against Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, and Nice. His performance led to a €100 million price tag being placed on him by Lyon's president to deter transfer rumors.
June 2009: International Goals and World Cup Qualifier
In June 2009, Benzema scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Turkey during a World Cup qualifier.
July 2009: Transfer to Real Madrid and Pre-Season Success
In July 2009, Benzema transferred to Real Madrid from Lyon for €35 million. He signed a six-year contract and made his debut on July 20th in a friendly against Shamrock Rovers, scoring the winning goal. Benzema continued to impress in pre-season, becoming joint top scorer with five goals.
August 2009: League Debut and Early Goals for Real Madrid
Benzema made his league debut for Real Madrid on August 29, 2009, and scored his first goal for the club in September. He also made his Champions League debut for the club that month, narrowly missing out on a goal.
October 2009: World Cup Qualifying Goals
Benzema scored crucial goals in victories against the Faroe Islands and Austria during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in October 2009.
2009: End of Under-21 Career
In 2009, Benzema's journey with the French under-21 team came to an end. Having made five appearances for the team, he left without scoring a goal. This marked a transition as his focus shifted entirely to establishing himself within the senior French national team, where he was already making waves.
2009: Record Transfer to Real Madrid
In 2009, Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon for a then-French record transfer fee of €35 million.
January 2010: Responding to Criticism and Filling in for Higuaín
In January 2010, Benzema addressed criticism about his adaptation to Real Madrid, stating he was happy and integrated into the team. Following an injury to Higuaín, Benzema was given a starting role, scoring a crucial double against Deportivo La Coruña.
April 2010: French National Team Prostitution Scandal Erupts
In April 2010, a scandal emerged involving members of the French national football team, including Karim Benzema, who were implicated in a prostitution ring. Benzema was accused of soliciting a minor, allegations he denied.
2010: Controversy: Exclusion from 2010 World Cup Squad
In a controversial decision, Karim Benzema was left out of the French squad for the 2010 World Cup.
2010: Stepping Up and Scoring Milestones
In late 2010, Benzema was given a more prominent role due to Higuaín's injury. He scored his first Champions League goal of the season and achieved his first hat trick for the club, which included Real Madrid's 300th goal in the Champions League. Benzema continued his scoring streak with another hat trick in the Copa del Rey.
2010: New Season, New Challenges Under Mourinho
The 2010-2011 season saw Benzema facing criticism from his new manager, José Mourinho, who publicly challenged him to work harder and be more "sparky" on the field. This criticism was echoed by France's national team coach, Laurent Blanc.
2010: Exclusion from World Cup Squad
Despite his contributions, Benzema was left out of France's preliminary squad for the 2010 World Cup. Coach Raymond Domenech attributed the decision to Benzema's form at Real Madrid, rather than his alleged involvement in a sex scandal.
February 2011: Scoring Streak and Respect for Lyon
Despite the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor, Benzema returned to the starting lineup in February 2011 and went on an impressive scoring run. He scored his 100th professional goal against his former club, Lyon, but chose not to celebrate out of respect.
February 2011: Decisive Goal Against Brazil
In February 2011, Benzema scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Brazil, showcasing his importance to the French national team.
April 2011: Ending the Season Strong and Earning Praise
In April 2011, Benzema continued his strong form, scoring in key matches, including the El Derbi madrileño against Atlético Madrid. Despite not featuring prominently in the El Clásico matches against Barcelona, he finished the season with 26 goals, helping Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey, his first trophy with the club, and earning praise from Mourinho and others.
November 2011: Prosecutors Request Dropping Charges
In November 2011, prosecutors recommended dropping charges against Benzema and Franck Ribéry, arguing they were unaware of the escort's underage status.
November 2011: Prolific Scoring Streak
Benzema had a remarkable scoring streak in November 2011, netting five goals across La Liga and Champions League matches. He scored three goals in league wins against Osasuna and Valencia, followed by two goals in a resounding 6-2 Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
December 2011: Record-Breaking Goal and French Player of the Year
In December 2011, Benzema etched his name in El Clásico history by scoring the fastest ever goal in a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, finding the net just 21 seconds into the game. However, Real Madrid lost the match 3-1. His outstanding performances throughout 2011 earned him the prestigious France Football French Player of the Year award, making him only the second Real Madrid player to receive this honor.
2011: Benzema's Transformation
In 2011, upon advice from French football legends Blanc and Zidane, Karim Benzema visited a high-performance clinic in Merano, Italy. He underwent a rigorous program to reduce weight and build muscle mass, resulting in a significant physical transformation. Benzema returned for the pre-season 18 pounds lighter and with increased strength. His impressive pre-season form, including eight goals in seven matches, led coach Mourinho to name him the starting striker for the upcoming season.
2011: Key Goals and Performances
During the 2011 Supercopa de España second leg, Benzema scored a crucial equalizing goal against Barcelona, although Real Madrid ultimately lost. He continued his strong form in La Liga, scoring a double against Getafe and contributing goals against Rayo Vallecano. Benzema's scoring touch extended to the Champions League, where he found the net against Ajax and Lyon, contributing to decisive victories.
January 2012: Copa del Rey and Continued Scoring
Benzema's strong form continued into 2012, with notable goals against Granada and Málaga in La Liga. He also made his mark in the Copa del Rey, scoring in both legs of the Round of 16 against Málaga, helping Real Madrid advance to the quarterfinals. Despite scoring in the second leg against Barcelona, Real Madrid was eliminated from the competition.
May 2012: Selection for Euro 2012
Benzema was named to the French squad for the Euro 2012 tournament in May 2012.
June 2012: Scoring Drought Begins
After this date, Benzema experienced a goal drought for the French national team that lasted until October 2013.
October 2012: Spectacular Goal and Recognition
In October 2012, Benzema scored a memorable bicycle kick goal in a Champions League match against Ajax. His consistent excellence earned him the award for the best French footballer of 2012 for the second consecutive year.
March 2013: Crucial Goal Against Barcelona
Benzema played a key role in Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona in March 2013, opening the scoring for his team. This marked Real Madrid's second win over Barcelona within a week.
2013: Contract Extension with Lyon
In 2008, Benzema signed a contract extension with Lyon until 2013, further solidifying his commitment to the club where he rose to prominence.
2013: Formation of the "BBC" Trio
The arrival of Gareth Bale at Real Madrid in 2013 led to the formation of a formidable attacking trio alongside Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, famously known as "BBC."
January 2014: Charges Dropped Due to Lack of Evidence
The case against Benzema and Ribéry proceeded to trial, but in January 2014, the judge dismissed the charges due to insufficient evidence regarding their knowledge of the prostitutes' ages.
January 2014: Century of Goals for Real Madrid
Benzema reached a significant milestone in January 2014 by scoring his 100th goal for Real Madrid during a 5-0 victory against Real Betis.
February 2014: Birth of Benzema's Daughter
Benzema's then-girlfriend, Chloé de Launay, gave birth to their daughter, Mélia, in Madrid in February 2014.
June 2014: World Cup Debut and Man of the Match
Benzema made his World Cup debut in June 2014 and was named man of the match for his two-goal performance against Honduras in France's opening game.
August 2014: Contract Extension and Historic Goal
Benzema committed his future to Real Madrid by signing a five-year contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2019. He continued to shine on the pitch, scoring Real Madrid's 1,000th goal in European competitions during a Champions League match against Basel.
October 2014: La Liga Player of the Month
Benzema's exceptional form in October 2014 earned him the La Liga Player of the Month award. His three goals and overall contribution to Real Madrid's impressive performance, winning three matches and conceding only one goal, highlighted his influence on the team.
2014: First Champions League Title with Real Madrid
Karim Benzema was an integral part of Real Madrid's team that won the Champions League in 2014, the first of four titles he would win between 2014 and 2018.
2014: Copa del Rey and Champions League Triumphs
Benzema played a crucial role in Real Madrid's successful 2014 season. He provided an assist in the Copa del Rey final, helping secure a 2-1 victory. In the Champions League, he scored the decisive goal in the semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich, contributing to Real Madrid's eventual Champions League triumph. The "BBC" trio's exceptional performance throughout the season, amassing 97 goals, highlighted their impact on the team's success.
October 2015: Last Appearance for France (Pre-Exclusion)
Benzema's last appearance for France before his exclusion from the national team due to the blackmailing scandal was in October 2015.
November 2015: Benzema Arrested in Blackmail Case
Karim Benzema was arrested in November 2015 for his alleged involvement in blackmailing teammate Mathieu Valbuena related to a sex tape.
December 2015: Suspension from French National Team
In December 2015, the French Football Federation (FFF) suspended Benzema from the national team due to his alleged role in the blackmail case.
December 2015: Back-to-Back Hat-tricks
Benzema showcased his goal-scoring prowess in December 2015 with consecutive hat-tricks in convincing victories against Malmö and Rayo Vallecano. His ability to find the back of the net consistently cemented his importance to the team.
2015: Blackmailing Scandal and Absence from National Team
Karim Benzema's international career was put on hold for over five years after he was implicated in a blackmailing scandal in 2015.
February 2016: Contact Allowed with Valbuena
Benzema was permitted to contact Valbuena again in February 2016 after a judicial review lifted restrictions imposed during the blackmail investigation.
April 2016: Exclusion from Euro 2016 Squad
Benzema was excluded from the French squad for the Euro 2016 tournament in April 2016 due to his alleged involvement in a blackmailing scandal with teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
June 2016: Benzema's Response to Exclusion
In June 2016, Benzema publicly responded to his exclusion from the French national team, claiming that the decision was influenced by racist elements in France.
December 2016: Success at the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup
In December 2016, Benzema played a key role in Real Madrid's victory at the FIFA Club World Cup. He scored in the semi-final against América, helping his team win 2-0. In the final against Kashima Antlers, he scored the opening goal and assisted Ronaldo in another, leading Real Madrid to a 4-2 victory. This was Benzema's tenth title with Real Madrid.
2016: League and Champions League Double
In 2016, Benzema played a crucial role in Real Madrid's success, as they secured both the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
February 2017: Champions League Scoring Milestone
On February 2017, Benzema scored his 51st Champions League goal in a match against Napoli. This achievement placed him above Thierry Henry in the list of all-time Champions League top scorers.
May 2017: Birth of Benzema's Son
In May 2017, Benzema's girlfriend Cora Gauthier, gave birth to their son, Ibrahim.
July 2017: Court Overturns Indictment Procedure
In July 2017, France's highest court overturned a lower court's decision that had validated Benzema's indictment, citing concerns about the legality of police recordings but not disproving the blackmail allegations.
September 2017: Contract Extension and Milestones
In September 2017, Benzema signed a contract extension with Real Madrid, extending his stay until 2021.
2017: Release of Benzema's Documentary
Benzema's documentary film, "Le K Benzema," was released in 2017, providing insights into his life and career.
July 2018: Benzema Steps Up After Ronaldo's Departure
Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in July 2018, Benzema took on the role of the team's primary goal scorer. He excelled in this position, scoring 30 goals in all competitions during the 2018-2019 season, making him the club's top scorer for that period.
November 2018: Reaching Goal Milestones
In November 2018, during a Champions League group stage match against Viktoria Plzeň, Benzema scored twice, bringing his total goals for Real Madrid to 200. He became the seventh Real Madrid player to achieve this accomplishment.
2018: Benzema's Evolving Role in Real Madrid
After Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in 2018, Benzema took on the role of the main striker, leading to an increase in his goalscoring and an evolution in his playing style.
2018: Exclusion from 2018 World Cup and Criticism of FFF President
Benzema was again left out of the French squad for the 2018 World Cup. He publicly criticized FFF president Noël Le Graët, accusing him of hypocrisy and ending any chance of a return to the national team.
2018: Benzema Transitions to Sole Striker
Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid, Benzema transitioned from his role as a false 9 into a sole striker in 2018.
2018: Champions League Success and Milestones
In 2018, Benzema achieved several milestones with Real Madrid. He played his 100th UEFA Champions League game, made his 400th appearance for the club, and scored a crucial goal in the Champions League final against Liverpool, helping Real Madrid secure their third consecutive and 13th overall Champions League title.
2018: End of the "BBC" Era at Real Madrid
With Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in 2018, Real Madrid's prolific "BBC" trio (Benzema, Bale, Cristiano) came to an end.
November 2019: Benzema's Response to Le Graët's Comments
In November 2019, Benzema responded to comments made by FFF president Le Graët suggesting his international career was over. Benzema suggested he would consider representing another national team if he were not welcome in the French squad.
2019: Continued Success and Recognition
Benzema continued to be an integral part of Real Madrid's success in the following years, playing a significant role in their Champions League triumph and earning individual accolades such as the French Player of the Year award for a third time.
2019: Scoring Milestones and Praise from Zidane
In 2019, Benzema achieved notable scoring milestones in the Champions League, becoming the second player after Lionel Messi to score in 15 consecutive seasons and the third Real Madrid player to score 50 goals in the competition. His outstanding performance led manager Zinedine Zidane to praise him as a legend and draw comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.
February 2020: Contract Extension and Milestones
In February 2020, Benzema extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2022.
March 2020: Benzema Makes Controversial Remarks About Giroud
During an Instagram live stream in March 2020, Benzema sparked controversy with disparaging comments about Olivier Giroud, comparing himself to a Formula 1 car and Giroud to a go-kart.
March 2020: First Hat-trick in Three Seasons
In September 2021, Benzema scored his first hat-trick after three seasons, leading Real Madrid to a 5-2 win over Celta Vigo in their first game back at the Bernabeu since March 2020. As captain, he became the first Real Madrid captain to score a hat-trick since Raul in 2008.
2020: Benzema Launches YouTube Channel
Benzema started his own YouTube channel in 2020, sharing aspects of his daily life, interviews, and interactions with fans.
2020: Goal Scoring Milestones and Acrobatic Goal
In 2020, Benzema reached a significant milestone by scoring his 250th goal for Real Madrid. Furthermore, he scored a remarkable acrobatic over-the-head goal during a Champions League match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, solidifying his position as the second player in history, after Lionel Messi, to score in 16 consecutive Champions League seasons.
January 2021: Benzema to Face Trial
Prosecutors announced in January 2021 that Benzema would stand trial for his suspected part in the blackmail attempt against Valbuena.
June 2021: Benzema's Performance at UEFA Euro 2020
Benzema made his return to the French national team in June 2021, participating in several friendly matches and scoring his first goals in the European Championship. He finished the tournament with four goals, earning him the Euro 2020 bronze boot.
November 2021: Benzema Breaks Goal Scoring Record
In November 2021, during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Benzema scored a brace against Kazakhstan, making him France's fifth all-time top scorer.
November 2021: Benzema Found Guilty of Conspiracy
The court found Benzema guilty of conspiring to blackmail Valbuena in November 2021. He received a one-year suspended sentence and a fine, but his lawyers announced their intent to appeal.
2021: Contract Extension
Benzema signed a contract extension with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2021.
2021: UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award
Benzema's outstanding performances in 2021 earned him the prestigious UEFA Men's Player of the Year award.
2021: Vice-Captaincy and Contract Extension
Following Sergio Ramos's departure, Benzema was appointed as Real Madrid's vice-captain for the 2021-22 season under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
2021: Benzema's Triumph in the UEFA Nations League
In 2021, Benzema played a crucial role in France's victory in the UEFA Nations League, scoring key goals in the semi-final and final. He also became France's sixth all-time top scorer during this tournament. This victory marked his first trophy with the French senior team.
2021: Pichichi Trophy and Champions League Top Scorer
At the conclusion of the 2021-22 La Liga season, Benzema achieved a personal milestone by winning the Pichichi Trophy, awarded to the league's top scorer, with an impressive 27 goals in 32 appearances.
April 2022: La Liga Title, Champions League Final, and Individual Awards
In April 2022, Benzema played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success, helping them secure their 35th La Liga title and reach the Champions League final.
June 2022: Sentencing Upheld After Abandoned Appeal
Benzema's initial appeal was abandoned, and in June 2022, he was ultimately sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term and fined. His lawyer indicated plans for further appeals.
August 2022: Becoming Real Madrid's All-Time Second-Highest Goalscorer
When Marcelo left the team, Benzema, as the most experienced player, was named captain. On August 10, 2022, he scored a goal in the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt. This goal increased his total goals for Real Madrid to 324, making him the second-highest goal scorer in the club's history, surpassing Raúl.
December 2022: Benzema Announces International Retirement
After a long and successful international career, Karim Benzema announced his retirement from the French national team in December 2022.
2022: Departure from Real Madrid
In 2022, after a remarkable journey with Real Madrid, the club confirmed Benzema's departure at the end of the 2022-2023 season. His final game against Athletic Bilbao was marked by a heartfelt farewell from fans and a goal, culminating in a standing ovation as he was substituted, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary performances.
2022: Benzema Misses World Cup and Retires from International Football
Despite being selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Benzema was forced to withdraw due to a thigh injury. He was awarded a silver medal despite not playing. Following this, he announced his retirement from international football.
2022: Champions League Top Scorer and Champion
In 2022, Karim Benzema won his fifth Champions League title and was the tournament's top scorer.
2022: Benzema Becomes Fendi Ambassador
In 2022, Benzema was chosen as the official ambassador for the Fendi Faster sneaker line.
2022: World Cup Injury and Departure Controversy
Controversy arose surrounding Benzema's withdrawal from the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to an injury. Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the circumstances of his departure and communication with coach Didier Deschamps.
2022: Contract Extension
Benzema extended his contract with Real Madrid, ensuring his stay at the club until 2022.
March 2023: Deschamps and Benzema Clash Publicly
In March 2023, the controversy reignited when Deschamps publicly stated that Benzema had chosen to leave the World Cup squad, contradicting Benzema's version of events. This led to a heated exchange on social media, with Benzema accusing Deschamps of lying.
April 2023: Hat-trick Records and Copa del Rey Triumph
In April 2023, Benzema achieved two impressive feats: scoring a hat-trick in a mere 6 minutes and 30 seconds during a Real Madrid victory, securing his place as the third-fastest in the club's La Liga history. Adding to this, he accomplished back-to-back hat-tricks with a win against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, becoming only the second Real Madrid player to do so in El Clásico history. This period also marked his contribution to Real Madrid's victory in the Copa del Rey final, equaling him with Marcelo for the most decorated player in the club's history with 25 trophies.
June 2023: Joining Al-Ittihad
June 2023 saw Benzema embark on a new chapter in his career by joining the Saudi Professional League club Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. His arrival was met with a grand welcome ceremony at the King Abdullah Sports City, attended by a multitude of fans. He wasted no time showcasing his skills, scoring a goal and assisting another in his debut match, a victorious start to his journey with Al-Ittihad.
October 2023: Benzema's Stance on Israeli Airstrikes
In October 2023, Benzema publicly expressed his support for the victims of the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
2023: Contract Extension
Benzema extended his contract with Real Madrid, extending his time with the club until 2023.
2023: Five Consecutive Years in La Liga Team of the Season
From 2018 to 2023, Benzema was named in the La Liga Team of the Season for five consecutive years, highlighting his consistent performance at the highest level.
2023: Ozuna Converts to Islam
In 2023, Jordan Ozuna, Benzema's partner, embraced Islam.