The fans of Real Madrid must not remember that how often they had shouted when Karim Benzema crossed the central line and invaded opponent’s territory. Karim is an invaluable possession in the national squad of France and a gem of Real Madrid. Emerging from the most precarious condition of the childhood forcing emigration and reaching the pinnacle of luxury is an ideal illustrious personality and example for making of a good player.
He is among the few who can use both his legs with the same potentials. These legs have scored many goals for his side and had also enabled others to score. In the UEFA Champions League, he magnificently netted vital goals several times.
He has been the important hunt for top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Milan or Arsenal but by the refusals of the club management, he has been retained as the key player. The excellent moves have not only facilitated his scoring but had also enriched the master player with the pecuniary strength which he had dreamt before.
His estimated net worth has reached $46 million dollars.
Early life
Karim had an ancestral link to the Algerian land where his grandfather lived in Tighzert, a village before they migrated and settled in Lyon in the 50s. Hafid Benzema his father is a native of Tighzert, but his mother was born and raised in Lyon. Karim was born in Lyon, France on 19th December 1987.
He was raised in Bron which is the suburb of Lyon with eight siblings. Sabri and Gressy are his brothers who had played football. Coming up from the most modest family Karim took up the game of football quite casually. Gradually he improved upon his game and soon the talent was spotted. He was quite mediocre in his studies, so gradually his interest grew in football.
When Karim was a boy of mere eight years he got into the squad of a local club, Bron Terraillon SC and his friend started calling him as Coco. In a match of under-10 boys, he scored two goals against Lyon Youth Academy and became a natural attraction for the big clubs. At the age of nine he appeared for the trail in the Lyon club and after complying with their requisites officially joined Lyon. Satisfying the officials and trainer in the academy, he soon elevated to the youth group.
During this period Karim uses to watch senior player matches as a ballboy. In the domestic league for the under-16 in France, Championnat National des 16 and, Karim scored 38 goals. He has impressed all and proved his selectors right and got in the reserve team of the club. The team was playing at the fourth division level of the country. Played only a few games but got his team to secure the second position in the group with his 10 goals.
During the regime of Paul Le Guen, he got into the senior team. It was customary for the new players to speak in the dressing room where he was sometimes humiliated. This charged up Karim as he promised to replace who laughs and get in the final squad.
On the 15th January 2005 when Pierre-Alain Frau came out of the ground Karim went in to play his debut match which Lyon won by 2-0. The second goal of the match was although was scored by Bryan Bergougnoux on the ball passed by Karim. The officials were highly convinced, and Karim signed a contract for 3 years with the Lyon. He played as a substitute in 3 more matches before appearing in the first 11 squads on 2nd April, and his team won over Lens by a solitary goal. Lyon continued their victory stream for the fourth consecutive year while Karim played in 6 matches.
Career
He struggled a little in the next season with Fred and Wiltord under Gerard Houllier. On 6th December 2005 against the Rosenborg BK, a Norwegian club, Karim made his debut appearance in the UEFA Champions League. The following year Karim scored his first professional goal against Ajaccio on 4th March 2006 which the team won by 3-1. Gradually Karim started getting the due importance through his dedicated service in the various wins of the team.
He suffered an injury and missed few games in 2006. He was only 19 when he wore the No.10 jersey of the team. Karim extended his contract to 2013 with Lyon. With this in 2008, he became the most paid footballer in France and also named as the Ligue 1 Player of the Year. He also got Trophee du Meilleur Buteur for being the highest scorer.
During his entire career at Lyon, he has always remained a real hunt for the prestigious clubs. On 1st July 2009 Lyon agreed to transfer Karim Benzema to the Spanish giants Real Madrid for €35 million. On 9th he cleared medicals and signed for 6 years. Karim scored almost 100 goals playing for Real Madrid. It is all history then. He is one of the most important of the national squad.
Personal life
Some names have appeared in his life as Analica Chaves or Sarah-Williams, but he is still not a married person. As a human, some of his acts do not match with the stature of his repute. As a report by M6 regarding an incident in one the nightclub at Paris must be his area of discomfort.
He has been a normal choice for many promotional campaigns. Adidas the famous sportswear company from Germany sponsors Karim, and he reciprocates through his several appearances on the advertisements.
He is also a common face in the French FIFA video games. His luxuries are reflected through his Lamborghini, Range Rover, Mercedes or BMW. He also does some charities as helping the orphans or special children.
Quick summary:
Full Name: Karim Benzema
Date of Birth: 19th December 1987
Birth Place: Lyon, France
Age: 30 Years Old
Profession: Footballer
Height: 6 Feet 2 Inches / 184 cm
Weight: 84 Kg
Net worth: $46 Million
