Karim Benzema is one of the most prolific strikers in football history, known for his time at Real Madrid and now shining in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. Here’s a deep dive into his life, career stats, and money side, packed with the latest 2026 updates.
Karim Benzema’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Karim Mostafa Benzema |
| Nickname | Coco, King Karim, Benzegoal |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years |
| Birthplace | Lyon, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Religion | Muslim (publicly stated Algerian Kabyle origin) |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 81 kg (178 lbs) |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Position | Striker |
| Youth Clubs | Lyon academy |
| Senior Clubs | Lyon (2004-2009), Real Madrid (2009-2023), Al-Ittihad (2023-2026), Al-Hilal (2026-) |
| Jersey Number | 90 (Al-Hilal), previously 9 |
| International Debut | March 28, 2007 vs Austria (France) |
| Turned Professional | January 15, 2005 (Lyon vs Metz) |
| Net Worth | $200-250 million |
| Annual Salary | €100 million base + €50 million bonuses at Al-Hilal |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Partner | Ex-wife Cora Gauthier (2016-2022); current girlfriend Jordan Ozuna |
| Children | 4 (Melia, Nouri with ex-Chloe; Ibrahim with Cora; one son with Jordan) |
| Official Instagram | @karimbenzema |
Early Career
Karim Benzema started at local club Bron Terraillon before joining Lyon’s academy at age 9. He broke into the senior team in 2004 at 17, scoring on debut vs Metz. By 2007-08, he netted 31 goals to win Ligue 1 top scorer, helping Lyon to four straight titles. That form earned his France debut in 2007.
Professional Career
Benzema moved to Real Madrid in 2009 for €35m, initially backing Ronaldo before exploding post-2018 with 354 goals in 648 games, including 44 in 2021-22 for La Liga and Champions League golds. He snagged the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
In 2023, he joined Al-Ittihad on €50m/year, scoring 13 in partial 2025-26 before switching to Al-Hilal in Feb 2026 on €100m base + €50m bonuses till 2027. For France, 97 caps, 37 goals. This season, 13 goals, 1 assist in 18 SPL games.
Girlfriend
Benzema divorced French model Cora Gauthier around 2022 after son Ibrahim (born 2017). He has daughter Melia (2014) from ex Chloe de Launay. Now with American model Jordan Ozuna, reportedly expecting their first child together—his third kid overall. He rarely posts about them but shared family moments on IG.
Karim Benzema’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Benzema’s net worth sits at $200-250 million, fueled by Saudi mega-deals, Real Madrid loyalty bonuses, and property like a $9m Madrid home plus $41.5m Versace Mansion in Miami. Investments and past €200m+ Madrid earnings pad it further.
Contract
Benzema signed a 1-year deal with Al-Hilal on Feb 2, 2026, running to June 2027 (18 months total from mid-season). It replaced his expiring Al-Ittihad contract, with advanced talks sealing it quickly after Ittihad’s extension offer to 2028 fell through. Total value: €150 million including bonuses.
Salary
Karim Benzema pulls in €100 million base salary per year at Al-Hilal for 2026-27, or €1.92 million weekly, plus up to €50 million in performance bonuses—making his total package €150 million. That’s a jump from €50 million at Al-Ittihad (2023-26), dwarfing his final Real Madrid €24 million. It ranks him among the world’s top-paid athletes, highlighting Saudi clubs’ star power.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Yearly Salary (est.) |
| 2026 | Al-Hilal | €150m (w/bonuses) |
| 2023-25 | Al-Ittihad | €50m |
| 2021-22 | Real Madrid | €24m |
| 2020 | Real Madrid | €18m |
| 2019 | Real Madrid | €15m |
| 2018 | Real Madrid | €15m |
| Earlier Madrid/Lyon | Various | Cumulative €200m+ |
Endorsements
Benzema banks €6-10 million yearly from deals with Adidas (since 2007, wearing Predator/F50 boots), Hyundai, and French telco SFR. He promotes luxury watches, fashion, and appears in campaigns leveraging his Ballon d’Or status. Saudi move boosted regional brand ties, adding to his off-pitch income.
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Details |
| Real Madrid Goals | 354 in 648 games |
| La Liga Goals | 238 in 439 games |
| Champions League Appearances | 146 (5th all-time) |
| Ballon d’Or | 2022 winner |
| UCL Knockout Goals (single season) | 10 (2021-22, ties Ronaldo record) |
| France Goals | 37 in 97 caps (6th all-time) |
| Total Club Goals | 416 in 741 games |
| Titles: UCL (4), La Liga (4) | 2014,16,17,18 UCL; more domestic |
FAQs
1. Who is Karim Benzema?
Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer, born on 19 December 1987 in Lyon, known as a prolific striker who starred for Lyon and Real Madrid before moving to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
2. Which clubs has Karim Benzema played for?
Benzema began his senior career at Lyon, transferred to Real Madrid in 2009 where he became a club legend over 14 seasons, then joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in 2023 on a free transfer.
3. What are Karim Benzema’s main career achievements?
Benzema has won multiple Ligue 1 titles with Lyon, numerous La Liga and Champions League trophies with Real Madrid, and he captured the 2022 Ballon d’Or after leading Madrid to a La Liga–Champions League double.
4. How many Champions League titles has Karim Benzema won?
Benzema has won the UEFA Champions League five times with Real Madrid, playing a decisive role in their attacking line during the club’s modern European dominance.
5. Why did Karim Benzema win the 2022 Ballon d’Or?
He won the 2022 Ballon d’Or because he scored 44 goals in the 2021–22 season, including 27 in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League, and was the key figure in Real Madrid’s league and European triumphs.
6. What is Karim Benzema’s playing style?
Benzema is a complete centre forward, combining physical strength, intelligent movement, refined first touch, and link-up play, often dropping deep to create chances while also finishing clinically in the box.
7. What is Karim Benzema’s nationality and background?
Benzema is French, born and raised in Lyon to parents of Algerian descent, and he comes from a large Algerian Muslim family.
8. What is Karim Benzema’s religion?
Karim Benzema is a practicing Muslim, openly expressing his faith, observing Ramadan while playing, and frequently referencing his religion in interviews and on social media.
9. What is Karim Benzema’s record with the France national team?
Benzema debuted for France in 2007, earned over 90 caps, scored more than 35 goals, and appeared at major tournaments including Euro 2008, the 2014 World Cup, and Euro 2020 after his recall.
10. Why was Karim Benzema involved in controversy with the France team?
He was implicated in the Mathieu Valbuena “sex tape” blackmail case, which led to his exclusion from the national team for several years, although he denied wrongdoing and later returned to the squad.