Karim Benzema was born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France. His full name is Karim Mostafa Benzema. He is the son of Hafid Benzema and Wahida Djebbara. A French international footballer of Algerian descent, Karim Benzema plays as a striker and continues his career with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

Growing up in the Bron district as part of a modest family with eight children, Karim Benzema was introduced to football at the age of eight while playing with his brothers at Bron Terraillon SC. In 1996, after delivering an outstanding performance in a youth match against Lyon’s academy team, he was recruited by Olympique Lyonnais. Rising rapidly through the youth ranks, he soon reached the first team, winning consecutive league titles with the club. During the 2007–2008 season, he became Ligue 1’s top scorer and was named French Player of the Year, paving the way for a major international transfer at just 22 years old.

Real Madrid Years
In 2009, Karim Benzema transferred to Real Madrid for a reported fee of €35 million, becoming one of the longest-serving foreign players in the club’s history. His early years were marked by adaptation challenges and heavy criticism, yet he persevered. While Cristiano Ronaldo was part of the squad, Karim Benzema embraced a team-oriented role. Following Ronaldo’s departure, he emerged as Real Madrid’s attacking leader.

Between 2018 and 2022, Karim Benzema reached the peak of his career, delivering decisive performances in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. In 2022, he finished as the Champions League’s top scorer and won the Ballon d'Or, securing his place in football history. With Real Madrid, he claimed five UEFA Champions League titles, four La Liga championships, and three Copa del Rey trophies, becoming the club’s second-highest goalscorer and all-time leading assist provider.

In 2019, Karim Benzema suffered a fracture to the little finger of his right hand during a match. Although doctors recommended surgery and a two-month recovery, he chose to play with a special bandage. Believing it brought him luck, he continued wearing it throughout his career.

National Team and Controversies
Representing France 97 times and scoring 37 goals, Karim Benzema experienced both success and controversy at international level. In 2010, he was tried alongside Franck Ribéry in a case involving a minor and was acquitted. In 2015, the Mathieu Valbuena blackmail case led to his exclusion from the national team for several years. He returned in 2021, delivering strong performances before announcing his retirement from international football in December 2022.

Addressing racism linked to his Algerian heritage, Karim Benzema once remarked:

“When I score, I am French; when I miss, I am Algerian.”

As a practicing Muslim, he also responded to criticism of his faith by stating:

“I am imperfect; Islam is perfect.”

Al-Ittihad and Present Day
In 2023, Karim Benzema left Real Madrid to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer, continuing his career in Saudi Arabia. As of 2025, his annual salary has been reported to be approximately €100 million. Renowned for his leadership, football intelligence, and goal-scoring ability, he remains one of the most respected figures in modern football.

Personal Life
Karim Benzema married Cora Gauthier in 2016, and they have a son named Ibrahim. The couple divorced in 2022. In July 2025, he married actress Lyna Khoudri in Corsica. He also has a child from a previous relationship with Jordan Ozuna, bringing his total number of children to four.

Youth Career
1996–2004 – Lyon

Professional Career
2004–2006 – Lyon B
2004–2009 – Lyon
2009–2023 – Real Madrid
2023–Present – Al-Ittihad

International Career
2004 – France U-17
2004–2005 – France U-18
2005–2006 – France U-19
2006–2007 – France U-21
2007–2022 – France

Source: Biyografiler.com