Karim Benzema, born on 19 December 1987 in Lyon, is celebrating his 37th birthday today. An iconic figure in world soccer, he has left his mark on history through his talent, longevity and exceptional performances on the pitch. Let’s take a look back at the career of football legend KB9.
A promising start at Lyon
Benzema began his professional career at Olympique Lyonnais, his hometown club, where he quickly distinguished himself for his talent and maturity on the pitch. Between 2005 and 2009, he won four consecutive French league titles from 2005 to 2008 and finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer in the 2007-2008 season.
Taking off for Real Madrid
In 2009, Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid for around €35 million, marking a decisive turning point in his career. At Madrid, he established himself as one of the best strikers of his generation. In the white shirt, he won :
He established himself as a pillar of the Madrid attack, forming a legendary trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Karim Benzema has won the Ballon d’Or for 2022, becoming the first French player to win the prestigious award since Zinedine Zidane in 1998. He won the Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary season in which he led Real Madrid to a UEFA Champions League double.
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His rise in the world of fashion
In addition to his exceptional football career, he has established himself as an influential figure in the world of fashion and lifestyle. He works with a number of prestigious brands, including luxury giants such as Jean-Paul Gaultier for a collection of sunglasses, and Fendi for sneakers called the ‘Fendi Faster’.
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The conquest of the Gulf States
Karim Benzema joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad in June 2023 after leaving Real Madrid, signing a three-year contract.
The contract, worth an estimated €200 million, includes advertising deals and commercial partnerships. These advertising commitments, although not publicly detailed, form an integral part of the overall agreement with Al-Ittihad. The next Football World Cup in Saudi Arabia is scheduled for 2034. Another challenge for the Middle East, which already hosted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
FIFA officially awarded the organisation of this edition to the Saudi kingdom. The decision has sparked controversy, not least because of concerns about human rights in the country, which has been described as a ‘sportswashing’ strategy aimed at improving the country’s image despite its criticised human rights record.
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Karim Benzema has made history as a complete player who excels at creating chances and making decisive passes. His sporting exploits, longevity, exceptional talent and impact on the game have made him a footballing legend.
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