- Name: Karim Benzema.
- Date of Birth: December 19, 1987
- Height: 1.83 m
- Weight: 73 kg
- Position: Striker
- Club: Real Madrid
Benzema, of Algerian origins, spent his early years in the youth academy at Lyon and played for France in UEFA Euro 2008. He was the top goal scorer in Ligue 1 for the 2007–08 season and he had been a professional just three seasons. As a result he won many awards and a new contract. He is now one of the highest-paid footballers in France.
In the 2007–08 season, Benzema, was given the prestigious number 10 jersey and became the spearhead of the attack. Alain Perrin , the new manager planned a special role for Benzema and he sparkled with 31 goals in 51 games. He was the top scorer of the league with 20 goals, netted four in the UEFA Champions League, one goal in the Coupe de la Ligue, and had a tally of six in six Coupe de France games taking Lyon to their first ever double victory. He dazzled with sterling performances that season including a hat trick against Metz, an goal in the 90th minute against Saint-Étienne from a free kick to equalise, and another against Lens. Fans nominated this as the goal of the season.
Benzema scored twice against Rangers in the Champions League, at Ibrox Park in the last group match. The 3–0 victory took Lyon to the knockout round. Lyon faced Manchester United in the knockout round and Benzema maintained his fabulous form scoring a scorching left-footer in the 54th minute. The match concluded in a 1–1 draw and United finally won the tie 1–2 on aggregate. However, there was all round praise for Benzema especially from Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager.
In 2008-09, Benzema scored 17 goals and revealed excellent form, despite some mid-season hiccups.
Benzema played in his first game for France against Austria in March 2007, scoring the match winner in a 1–0 victory. His next goals was a brace in a match against the Faroe Islands, when France won 6–0.
He was called up to play for France at Euro 2008. France’s Euro 2008 campaign began with a 0–0 draw against Romania, a dismal start. Benzema was not in great touch and was taken off in the second half. He was excluded in their next game; a 1–4 lose to the Netherlands. In the last game of the group, Benzema featured in the starting lineup, but
France lost 2-0 to Italy.
Benzema is now the proud owner of number ten jersey for France. In 2010, Benzema has played in 16 games as of now, out of which he was in the start up for 11 and scored 5 goals.
However as a surprise Benzema has been omitted from France's 30 man preliminary squad owing to poor form during the season at Real Madrid |
