Karim Benzema: Youngest Player to Score 50+ Ligue 1 Goals for Lyon

Lore & Background

Born in Lyon to parents of Algerian and Kabyle descent, Benzema began his career with his hometown club Lyon in 2005, contributing sporadically to three Ligue 1 title wins. In 2008, he was named the league's Player of the Year and in the Team of the Year having finished as the league's top goalscorer and winning his fourth league title and first Coupe de France. In 2009, Benzema was the subject of a then-French record football transfer when he joined Real Madrid in a deal worth €35 million. He was part of a highly rated trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale – dubbed 'BBC' – who helped Madrid to four Champions League titles between 2014 and 2018.

Reader's Guide

Benzema began his career at his hometown club Bron Terraillon at the age of eight. After scoring two goals in an under-10 match against the Lyon youth academy, he attracted attention from Lyon. He officially joined Lyon's youth academy after a trial. He quickly ascended up the youth categories, scoring 38 goals at the under-16 level. Ahead of the 2004–05 season, he was promoted to the club's reserve team, scoring a team-high ten goals. He made his professional debut on 15 January 2005 against Metz, providing an assist. He signed his first professional contract the same month. He finished the 2004–05 campaign with six appearances as Lyon won their fourth-straight league title. In the 2005–06 season, he made his Champions League debut on 6 December 2005 and scored his first professional goal. In the 2006–07 season, he scored in the Trophée des Champions and opened the league campaign with a goal against Nantes. After a severe thigh injury in November 2006, he missed three months. For the 2007–08 season, he switched to the number 10 shirt and became lead striker, scoring 31 goals in 51 games, topping the league with 20 goals, and helping Lyon win their first ever double. He extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 on 13 March 2008.

Did You Know?

• Benzema scored his first professional goal on his Champions League debut against Rosenborg.
• Benzema is Real Madrid's second-highest goalscorer after Cristiano Ronaldo.
• He won the Ballon d'Or in 2022.
• Benzema earned 97 caps and scored 37 goals for France.