Is Karim Benzema Leaving Al Ittihad? Who is Karim Benzema?
by Sangamithra | Updated Jan 06, 2024
Is Karim Benzema Leaving Al Ittihad?
Recent reports suggest that Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian club, has no plans to let go of Karim Benzema, the 36-year-old French striker and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, during the January transfer window. Despite criticism from Saudi media and Al-Ittihad fans, the club is determined to keep him, dismissing any possibility of his departure in the upcoming transfer windows. Rumors circulated about Benzema's future after he missed training due to a foot injury, but his player’s entourage clarified the situation.
Contrary to speculation about a potential transfer to another Saudi club, there have been no discussions with other teams. Al-Ittihad remains resolute in retaining the former Real Madrid star. The situation indicates that, as of now, there's no intention for Benzema to leave Al-Ittihad. The coming weeks will likely bring more clarity to the French forward's status with the Saudi Pro League champions.
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Who is Karim Benzema?
Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer known for his skills as a striker. Currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, he stands out as one of the best strikers in football history. Benzema started his career with Olympique Lyonnais in 2005, winning three Ligue 1 titles. In 2009, he made a €35 million move to Real Madrid, where he became the club's second-highest goalscorer and top assist provider.
Benzema was part of the renowned BBC trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, contributing to four Champions League victories from 2014 to 2018. After Ronaldo's departure in 2018, Benzema transitioned to a sole striker role, receiving accolades like La Liga Team of the Season, La Liga Best Player twice, and the Pichichi Trophy in 2022. He capped off his Real Madrid career in 2023, winning his fifth Champions League title.
Internationally, Benzema earned 97 caps for France, facing controversy in 2015 due to a blackmailing scandal. Despite being left out of the 2010 World Cup squad, he returned to the national team before retiring in December 2022. Benzema has received numerous awards, including the UEFA Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or in 2021 and 2022. At 34, he became the third-oldest Ballon d'Or winner.
Full Name
Karim Mostafa Benzema
Date of Birth
December 19, 1987
Place of Birth
Lyon, France
Nationality
French
Position
Forward
Current Club
Real Madrid
Previous Clubs
Olympique Lyonnais
International Debut
March 28, 2007 (France National Team)
Height
6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m)
Achievements
Multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid; Consistent goal-scoring record; French national team contributions.
Karim Benzema Career
Karim Benzema began his football journey at his hometown club Bron Terraillon SC when he was eight years old. Nicknamed Coco, he caught the attention of Lyon's youth academy after scoring two goals against the Lyon youth team. Despite initial resistance from Bron Terraillon, Benzema underwent a trial and officially joined Lyon's academy.
Ascending through the youth ranks, Benzema made his professional debut for Lyon in January 2005. He faced challenges initially but became a key player, winning three league titles with Lyon. His breakthrough came in the 2007-08 season, where he scored 31 goals, helping Lyon secure a league and cup double. Benzema's stellar performances earned him numerous accolades, including Ligue 1 Player of the Year.
In 2009, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid for €35 million. Initially facing difficulties adapting to Spain, Benzema eventually became a crucial part of Real Madrid's success. He contributed significantly to the club's three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. Benzema continued his prolific goal-scoring, achieving milestones like becoming Real Madrid's second-highest all-time scorer.
In the 2021-22 season, Benzema took on the role of vice-captain and led Real Madrid to their 35th La Liga title and fifth Champions League triumph, where he finished as the tournament's top scorer. His outstanding season culminated in winning the Ballon d'Or in October 2022. Benzema continued his success in the 2022-23 season but announced his departure from Real Madrid in June 2023. He joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad, making an impressive debut.
Karim Benzema Age
Karim Benzema, born on December 19, 1987, is a French professional footballer celebrated for his prolific career. At the time of my knowledge cutoff in January 2022, Benzema is currently 34 years old. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess, Benzema began his journey in football at a young age, rising through the ranks at Lyon before joining Real Madrid in 2009.
Over the years, he has become a key figure at Real Madrid, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including multiple UEFA Champions League trophies. As of his age in 2024, Benzema continues to be a vital force in football, showcasing his skills and leadership on the field.
Karim Benzema Net Worth
Karim Benzema, the esteemed French footballer, boasts a noteworthy net worth of $200 million. Renowned for his striking prowess with Real Madrid, he is hailed as one of the club's greatest forwards. Benzema's remarkable goal-scoring instincts are complemented by exceptional vision and playmaking skills, forming memorable partnerships with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite being a key player for the French national team, his popularity in France lags behind his adoration in Madrid due to controversies tarnishing his image and challenges related to his Algerian heritage affecting his integration with the national squad. Nevertheless, Benzema's financial success reflects his stellar career and achievements in the world of football.
Is Karim Benzema Leaving Al Ittihad - FAQs
No, recent reports indicate that Al-Ittihad has no plans to allow Benzema to leave during the January transfer window, despite rumors and criticism.
Speculation arose after the 36-year-old missed training, sparking rumors about his long-term status, but it was clarified as a foot injury by his player's entourage.
No, contrary to reports, there have been no discussions with other clubs, and Al-Ittihad is determined to retain the former Real Madrid star.
Despite criticism in Saudi Arabia, Benzema's accolades, including the 2022 Ballon d'Or, highlight his significant role in the Saudi Pro League champions' squad.
His absence from training fueled speculation, but it was clarified as a foot injury, dispelling doubts about any imminent departure.