View source for Karim Benzema

{{short description|French footballer (born 1987)}}
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{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Karim Benzema
| image = Karim Benzema during an interview in 2021 (2) (cropped).jpg
| upright = 0.9
| caption = Benzema during an interview in 2021
| full_name = Karim Mostafa Benzema<ref>{{cite web |url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=33786 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190615003825/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=33786 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2019 |title=Acta del Partido celebrado el 20 de marzo de 2016, en Madrid |trans-title=Minutes of the Match held on 20 March 2016, in Madrid |publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation |access-date=15 June 2019 |language=es }}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|12|19|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fifadata.com/documents/FCWC/2017/pdf/FCWC_2017_Squadlists.pdf |title=FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017: List of players: Real Madrid CF |publisher=FIFA |page=5 |date=16 December 2017 |access-date=23 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223004345/https://www.fifadata.com/documents/fcwc/2017/pdf/fcwc_2017_squadlists.pdf |archive-date=23 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Lyon]], France
| height = 1.85 m<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Madrid C.F. – Karim Benzema|work=Real Madrid C.F. - Web Oficial |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/football/squad/karim-benzema|publisher=[[Real Madrid C.F.]]|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-date=20 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120174627/http://www.realmadrid.com/en/football/squad/karim-benzema|url-status=live}}</ref>
| position = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = [[Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah)|Al-Ittihad]]
| clubnumber = 9
| youthyears1 = 1993–1996
| youthclubs1 = AS Des Buers Villeurbanne
| youthyears2 = 1996–1997
| youthclubs2 = Bron
| youthyears3 = 1997–2005
| youthclubs3 = [[Olympique Lyonnais Reserves and Academy|Lyon]]
| years1 = 2004–2006
| clubs1 = [[Lyon II]]
| caps1 = 20
| goals1 = 15
| years2 = 2004–2009
| clubs2 = [[Olympique Lyonnais|Lyon]]
| caps2 = 112
| goals2 = 43
| years3 = 2009–2023
| clubs3 = [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
| caps3 = 439
| goals3 = 238
| years4 = 2023–
| clubs4 = [[Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah)|Al-Ittihad]]
| caps4 = 50<!-- league games only -->
| goals4 = 30<!-- league games only -->
| nationalyears1 = 2004
| nationalteam1 = [[France national under-17 football team|France U17]]
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2004–2005
| nationalteam2 = [[France national under-18 football team|France U18]]
| nationalcaps2 = 17
| nationalgoals2 = 14
| nationalyears3 = 2005–2006
| nationalteam3 = [[France national under-19 football team|France U19]]
| nationalcaps3 = 9
| nationalgoals3 = 5
| nationalyears4 = 2006
| nationalteam4 = [[France national under-21 football team|France U21]]
| nationalcaps4 = 5
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2007–2022
| nationalteam5 = [[France national football team|France]]
| nationalcaps5 = 97
| nationalgoals5 = 37
| club-update = 23:06, 26 May 2025 (UTC)
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|FRA}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[UEFA Nations League]]}}
{{Medal|Winner|[[2021 UEFA Nations League Finals|2021]]|}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[FIFA World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2022 FIFA World Cup|2022]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Under-17 Championship]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship|2004]]|}}
}}
'''Karim Mostafa Benzema''' (born 19 December 1987) is a French professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Striker (association football)|striker]] for and [[Captain (association football)|captains]] [[Saudi Pro League]] club [[Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah)|Al-Ittihad]]. Regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time, Benzema is a creative forward known for his technical skills, vision and versatility on the field.<!-- see 'Style of play' section -->{{refn|<ref name="goal.com">{{Cite web|title=Ronaldo, Batistuta & the all-time best 'Number 9' strikers in football|url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ronaldo-batistuta-all-time-best-number-9-strikers-football/jfoyaawwg5sw1tvsr4m16qeo1#csdc9cf64ee64c72cd|website=Goal.com|date=28 February 2021|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=20 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920163415/https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ronaldo-batistuta-all-time-best-number-9-strikers-football/jfoyaawwg5sw1tvsr4m16qeo1#csdc9cf64ee64c72cd|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="90min.com">{{Cite web|title=The 30 greatest strikers of all time|url=https://www.90min.com/posts/greatest-strikers-of-all-time-ranked|access-date=23 June 2021|website=90min|date=25 May 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203703/https://www.90min.com/posts/greatest-strikers-of-all-time-ranked|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Where does Karim Benzema rank among the best French strikers of all time?|url=https://therealchamps.com/2022/03/26/benzema-rank-best-french-strikers/|website=TheRealChamps|date=26 March 2022|access-date=16 September 2022|archive-date=20 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920163720/https://therealchamps.com/2022/03/26/benzema-rank-best-french-strikers/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=Ranking the top 25 men's soccer players of the 21st century |url=https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/40490059/ranking-top-25-men-soccer-players-21st-century |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref>}} He won 25 trophies with [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]], including four [[La Liga]], three [[Copa del Rey]], and five [[UEFA Champions League]] titles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/the-club/history/football-legends/karim-benzema |title=Benzema 2009 - 2023: 5 European Cups and the second top scorer in club history |publisher=Real Madrid CF}}</ref> He has scored [[List of footballers with 500 or more goals|over 500 career goals]] for club and country, and is Real Madrid's [[List of Real Madrid CF records and statistics#Goalscorers|second-highest goalscorer]] and top assist provider.<ref name="asissts">{{cite news |title=Real Madrid Top Assists Of All Time [2022 List] |url=https://soofootball.com/real-madrid-top-assists-of-all-time/ |date=22 May 2022 |access-date=17 August 2022 |archive-date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817160531/https://soofootball.com/real-madrid-top-assists-of-all-time/#:~:text=After%20all%20said%20and%20done,155%20assists%20to%20his%20name. |url-status=live }}</ref>

Born in [[Lyon]] to parents of Algerian descent, Benzema began his career with hometown club [[Olympique Lyonnais|Lyon]] in 2005, contributing sporadically to three [[Ligue 1]] title wins. In [[2007–08 Ligue 1|2008]], he was named the league's [[Trophées UNFP du football#Player of the Year|Player of the Year]] and in the [[Trophées UNFP du football#2008|Team of the Year]] having finished as the league's [[Top goalscorers in Ligue 1|top goalscorer]] and winning his fourth league title and first [[Coupe de France]]. In 2009, Benzema was the subject of a then-French record [[most expensive association football transfer|football transfer]] when he joined Real Madrid in a deal worth €35 million. After struggling to establish himself in his debut season, he eventually achieved a consistent goalscoring rate with the club, notably being part of a highly rated trio alongside [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] and [[Gareth Bale]] – dubbed "BBC" – who were integral to four Champions League wins between 2014 and 2018.

Following Ronaldo's departure in 2018, Benzema transitioned from the [[false 9]] position into a sole striker. He was named in the La Liga Team of the Season for five consecutive years from 2018 to 2023, won [[Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano|La Liga Best Player]] twice and the [[Pichichi Trophy]] for the first time in 2022. Benzema finished as Champions League [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League#Top scorers|top scorer]] as he won his [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League|fifth title]] in 2022, and subsequently [[Captain (association football)|captained]] the club in his final season before signing for Al-Ittihad the following year. As captain, he led the club to win the [[2024–25 Saudi Pro League]].

A [[France national football team|French international]], Benzema won the [[2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship]] and made his senior debut for France in 2007, at age 19. After appearing at [[UEFA Euro 2008]], Benzema was controversially left out of the squad for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]]; following his return for [[Euro 2012]] and the [[2014 World Cup]], he did not play for France for over five years after being implicated in a blackmailing scandal in 2015. He later returned to the squad for [[Euro 2020]], where he won the [[UEFA Euro 2020#Awards|Bronze Boot]]. Benzema was also a part of the French squad that finished as runners-up at the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]]. However, he did not play at the tournament due to an injury, though he did receive a medal. He announced his international retirement in December 2022 following the World Cup. Overall, Benzema earned 97 caps and scored 37 goals, ranking as France's sixth-highest [[List of leading goalscorers for the France national football team|all-time top goalscorer]], and was named [[French Player of the Year]] by [[France Football]] four times.

For his performances in 2021 and 2022, Benzema was awarded the [[UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award|UEFA Player of the Year]] and the [[2022 Ballon d'Or|Ballon d'Or]], becoming the fifth French player to have won the Ballon d'Or.<ref>{{Cite web |last=à 10h30 |first=Par Vincent Mongaillard Le 3 février 2023 |date=3 February 2023 |title=Dans le fief des Benzema et des Zidane en Kabylie, terre de Ballons d'or |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/dans-le-fief-des-benzema-et-des-zidane-en-kabylie-terre-de-ballons-dor-03-02-2023-I4NV3I3YUBFMFDWPW43RSCVL7U.php |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 October 2022 |title=Karim Benzema sacré Ballon d'Or France Football 2022 |language=fr |work=L'Équipe |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-sacre-ballon-d-or-france-football-2022/1359907 |access-date=17 October 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226184214/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-sacre-ballon-d-or-france-football-2022/1359907 |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the highest-paid footballers in the world, he made ''[[Forbes]]''{{'}}s list of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birnbaum |first=Justin |title=The World's 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2024 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2024/05/16/the-worlds-10-highest-paid-athletes-2024/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

==Club career==
===Early career===
Benzema began his football career at his hometown club Bron Terraillon at the age of eight. While at the club, he was nicknamed "Coco" by friends and, after scoring two goals in an under-ten match against the [[Olympique Lyonnais Reserves and Academy|Lyon youth academy]], began attracting attention from the biggest club in the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=Benzema s'attend à un match difficile contre "son équipe" |url=http://www.lyoncapitale.fr/Journal/univers/Sport/Football-ligue-des-champions/Benzema-s-attend-a-un-match-difficile-contre-son-equipe |work=Lyon Capitale |date=2 November 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718060913/http://www.lyoncapitale.fr/Journal/univers/Sport/Football-ligue-des-champions/Benzema-s-attend-a-un-match-difficile-contre-son-equipe |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Class">{{cite web |title=Benzema: la classe internationale |url=http://www.lyoncapitale.fr/Journal/univers/Sport/Football/Benzema-la-classe-internationale/%28language%29/fre-FR |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130107052935/http://www.lyoncapitale.fr/Journal/univers/Sport/Football/Benzema-la-classe-internationale/(language)/fre-FR |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 January 2013 |work=Lyon Capitale |date=18 September 2007 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> According to Serge Santa Cruz, who was president of Bron Terraillon in the 1990s, Lyon officials had visited him directly in an attempt to sign the youngster; however, Santa Cruz refused.<ref name="Youth">{{cite web |title=Benzema, le phénomène qui réveille le foot |url=http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-societe/2008-02-07/benzema-le-phenomene-qui-reveille-le-foot/920/0/222742 |work=Le Point |date=7 February 2008 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041607/http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-societe/2008-02-07/benzema-le-phenomene-qui-reveille-le-foot/920/0/222742 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> After talking with Benzema's father, the club allowed the player to undergo a trial with Lyon.<ref name="Youth"/> Following the trial, Benzema officially joined Lyon and was inserted into the club's academy.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Rise and Rise of Karim Benzema |url=http://www.insidefutbol.com/2008/03/04/the-rise-and-rise-of-karim-benzema/ |work=Inside Futebol |date=19 December 2006 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=1 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601123830/http://www.insidefutbol.com/2008/03/04/the-rise-and-rise-of-karim-benzema/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Lyon===
Benzema quickly ascended up the youth categories in the academy. He served as a [[ballboy]] during Lyon senior team matches and performed well in school being described as a student who was "discreet and respectful".<ref name="Youth"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Karim Benzema |url=http://www.olweb.fr/fr/Accueil/700004/Article/50732/Benzema-Karim |work=[[Olympique Lyonnais]] |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003140811/http://www.olweb.fr/fr/Accueil/700004/Article/50732/Benzema-Karim |archive-date=3 October 2009}}</ref> At under-16 level, Benzema scored 38 goals in the ''Championnat National des 16 ans'', the domestic league for under-16 youth players in France.<ref>{{cite web |title=Benzema, un Lyon de Olympique |url=http://fr.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=489158.html |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=19 December 2006 |access-date=25 June 2009 |language=fr |archive-date=8 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108040326/http://fr.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=489158.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ahead of the [[2004–05 Ligue 1|2004–05 season]], Benzema was promoted to the club's reserve team, which was playing in the [[Championnat de France amateur]], the fourth division of [[Football in France|French football]]. Despite only playing with the team during the autumn campaign, he scored a team-high ten goals as the Lyon reserve team finished second in its group.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema va signer Olympique Lyonnais Reserve Pro: Saison Football 2004/2005 |url=http://www.stat2foot.com/lclubs/lyon20405.htm |work=Stat2Foot |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=10 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510034326/http://www.stat2foot.com/lclubs/lyon20405.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2004–2007: Breakthrough and three league titles====
Benzema was called up to the senior team for the first time under manager [[Paul Le Guen]] during the break leading up to the second half of the season. As is customary with new players arriving at Lyon, the young striker had to stand up and speak to his new teammates, which at that time included the likes of [[Michael Essien]], [[Sylvain Wiltord]], [[Florent Malouda]] and [[Eric Abidal]].<ref name="benzema_fifa">{{cite web |title=Benzema, 20 ans et déjà tout d'un grand |date=24 September 2007 |publisher=[[FIFA]] |language=fr |url=http://fr.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=604499.html |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013045041/http://fr.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=604499.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 October 2007}}</ref> While speaking, Benzema was subjected to jokes and laughter, which prompted the youngster to declare, "Do not laugh, I'm here to take your place."<ref name="benzema_fifa"/> He made his professional debut on 15 January 2005 against [[FC Metz|Metz]], appearing as a substitute for [[Pierre-Alain Frau]]. Lyon won the match 2–0 as Benzema provided the assist of the second goal scored by [[Bryan Bergougnoux]].<ref name="Class"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon v. Metz Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49038 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=15 January 2005 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=4 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604153706/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49038 |url-status=live }}</ref> He signed his first professional contract the same month, agreeing to a three-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Benzema va signer pro|date=20 January 2005 |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/20050120_114305Dev.html |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027013858/http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/20050120_114305Dev.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 October 2009 |work=L'Equipe |language=fr}}</ref> After making three more appearances as a substitute, on 2 April Benzema made his first professional start in a 1–0 win over [[RC Lens|Lens]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon v. Lens Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49122 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=2 April 2005 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=14 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414145116/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49122 |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished the campaign with six appearances as Lyon won their fourth-straight league title.

Benzema began the [[2005–06 Ligue 1|2005–06 season]] under the tutelage of new manager [[Gérard Houllier]]. Under Houllier, he struggled for meaningful minutes due to the presence of newly signed Brazilian striker [[Fred (footballer, born 1983)|Fred]], as well as Sylvain Wiltord. Benzema made his season debut on 2 October 2005 in a league win over [[Stade Rennais F.C.|Rennes]], appearing as a substitute.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rennes v. Lyon Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49743 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=2 October 2005 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=4 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604175226/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49743 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 December, he made his [[UEFA Champions League]] debut in Lyon's final group stage match against [[Norway|Norwegian]] club [[Rosenborg BK|Rosenborg]]. On his competition debut, he scored his first professional goal in a 2–1 win.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fred leaves Lyon purring |date=6 December 2005 |publisher=UEFA |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2005/round=2201/match=1100340/index.html |access-date=7 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115233619/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season%3D2005/round%3D2201/match%3D1100340/index.html}}</ref> A month later, Benzema scored his first professional double in a 4–0 win over [[Grenoble Foot 38|Grenoble]] in the [[Coupe de France]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Grenoble v. Lyon Report |url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/coupe-de-france/2005-2006/grenoble-lyon_mtc131264/live.shtml |work=[[Eurosport]] |date=8 January 2006 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=21 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621030100/https://www.eurosport.fr/football/coupe-de-france/2005-2006/grenoble-lyon_mtc131264/live.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 March 2006, Benzema scored his first professional league goal against [[AC Ajaccio|Ajaccio]] in a 3–1 win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ajaccio v. Lyon Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49906 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=4 March 2006 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=4 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604185321/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/49906 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Benzema began earning more playing time in the [[2006–07 Ligue 1|2006–07 season]] and made his competitive season debut in the [[2006 Trophée des Champions]] against [[Paris Saint-Germain]]. In the French Supercup, Benzema converted a penalty which drew the match at 1–1. Lyon later won the league curtain-raiser 5–4 on penalties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon v. Paris Saint-Germain Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/tropheeChampions/feuille_match/51300 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=30 July 2006 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=27 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027171604/http://www.lfp.fr/tropheeChampions/feuille_match/51300 |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema opened the league campaign on a quick note scoring in the team's first match of the season against [[FC Nantes|Nantes]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Nantes v. Lyon Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/50498 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=4 August 2006 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=4 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604173724/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/50498 |url-status=live }}</ref> Three weeks later, on 26 August 2006, Benzema appeared as a substitute and scored two goals in a 4–1 away win over [[OGC Nice|Nice]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Nice v. Lyon Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/50506 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=26 August 2006 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=4 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604180934/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/50506 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also converted two goals in the Champions League group stage against [[Romania]]n outfit [[FC Steaua București|Steaua București]] and [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] club [[Dynamo Kyiv]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon reprise winning formula |publisher=UEFA |date=26 September 2006 |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/Competitions/ucl/history/season=2006/Round=2357/match=1116339/report=rp.html |access-date=7 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116005122/http://en.archive.uefa.com/Competitions/ucl/history/season=2006/Round=2357/match=1116339/report=rp.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema leads Lyon into last 16 |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/Competitions/ucl/history/season=2006/Round=2357/match=1116371/report=rp.html |publisher=UEFA |date=1 November 2006 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=16 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116005646/http://en.archive.uefa.com/Competitions/ucl/history/season=2006/Round=2357/match=1116371/report=rp.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> After appearing regularly during the autumn campaign, on 10 November, Benzema suffered a severe thigh injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema blessé |url=http://www.football365.fr/france/infos-clubs/lyon/lyon-benzema-blesse-384129.shtml |work=Football365 |date=10 November 2006 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=9 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009153601/http://www.football365.fr/france/infos-clubs/lyon/lyon-benzema-blesse-384129.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> The injury resulted in the striker missing three months of action before returning in February 2007. Benzema failed to score a goal until the final league match of the season against Nantes as Lyon recorded its sixth consecutive league title.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon v. Nantes Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/50845 |work=[[Ligue de Football Professionnel]] |date=26 May 2007 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=4 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604163238/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuille_match/50845 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2007–2009: Club talisman====
For the [[2007–08 Ligue 1|2007–08 season]], with Florent Malouda, [[John Carew]] and Sylvain Wiltord all departing from the club, Benzema switched to the number 10 shirt and was inserted into the lead striker role. After forming a special relationship with new manager [[Alain Perrin]], he responded with 31 goals in 51 games. He topped the league with 20 goals, scored four goals in the Champions League, one in the [[Coupe de la Ligue]] and totaled six goals in six Coupe de France matches, helping Lyon win their first ever [[Double (association football)|double]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Goal.com 50: Karim Benzema (14) |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/483/france/2009/01/08/1050859/the-goalcom-50-karim-benzema-14 |work=Goal (website) |date=8 January 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622005036/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/483/france/2009/01/08/1050859/the-goalcom-50-karim-benzema-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some of his more dazzling performances that season included a [[hat-trick]] against Metz on 15 September,<ref>{{cite news |title=Metz v. Lyon Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2007/2008&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J08&num_ordre=7 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=15 September 2007 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001070032/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2007%2F2008&code_evt=D1&num_ordre=7&code_jr_tr=J08 |archive-date=1 October 2007}}</ref> an [[Equaliser (sports)|equalizing goal]] in the 90th minute from a [[Direct free kick|free kick]] against [[Derby du Rhône]] rivals [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema coup franc contre Saint-Etienne |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrbJcPs5kM4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211116/KrbJcPs5kM4 |archive-date=16 November 2021 |url-status=live|via=YouTube |date=7 February 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and a goal against Lens that was nominated for goal of the season by fans.

In the Champions League, Benzema scored an important double against [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] at [[Ibrox Stadium]] on the last match day of the [[2007–08 UEFA Champions League#Group stage|group stage]]. The 3–0 victory assured Lyon progression to the knockout rounds.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon seal revival as Rangers slump |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2008/round=15105/match=301239/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=12 December 2007 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=17 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417000000/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season%3D2008/round%3D15105/match%3D301239/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the [[UEFA Champions League 2007–08#Knockout stage|knockout rounds]], Lyon faced [[Manchester United]] and Benzema continued to score, this time it was from outside the [[Penalty area|penalty box]] in the first leg match which ended in a 1–1 draw<ref>{{cite news |title=Late Tevez goal gives United important draw against Lyon |url=http://www.inthenews.co.uk/sports/football/sports/football/autocodes/premiership-teams-2006-2007/manchester-united/late-tevez-goal-gives-united-important-draw-against-lyon-$1206147.htm |work=In The News |date=23 February 2008 |access-date=27 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329121917/http://www.inthenews.co.uk/sports/football/sports/football/autocodes/premiership-teams-2006-2007/manchester-united/late-tevez-goal-gives-united-important-draw-against-lyon-$1206147.htm |archive-date=29 March 2012}}</ref> and United eventually won the tie 1–2 on aggregate. Manchester United manager [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]] and players praised Benzema for his performance.<ref>{{cite news |title=United like the look of Benzema and begin their homework on Lyon's £45m striker |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/22/newsstory.lyon |work=The Guardian |date=28 February 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |location=London |first=Daniel |last=Taylor |archive-date=28 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228151236/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/22/newsstory.lyon |url-status=live }}</ref> Lyon club president [[Jean-Michel Aulas]] later accused Ferguson of [[tapping-up]] Benzema.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferguson questions 'balance' of Wenger's transfer policy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/feb/23/sir-alex-ferguson-arsene-wenger-internazionale-manchester-united-arsenal-champions-premier-league |work=The Guardian |date=23 February 2009 |access-date=28 July 2009 |location=London |archive-date=28 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228150140/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/feb/23/sir-alex-ferguson-arsene-wenger-internazionale-manchester-united-arsenal-champions-premier-league |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 13 March 2008, Benzema extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a one-year extension option.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema extends Lyon contract until 2013 |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=516330&cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN |date=13 March 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023112043/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=516330&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema becomes one of the highest paid footballers in France |url=http://en.afrik.com/article12840.html |work=Afrik |date=14 March 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524051221/http://en.afrik.com/article12840.html |archive-date=24 May 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> For his efforts that season, he was named the Ligue 1 [[Trophées UNFP du football#Player of the Year|Player of the Year]], selected to the [[Trophées UNFP du football#2009|Team of the Year]] and awarded the Trophée du Meilleur Buteur for being the league's top scorer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema lands Ligue 1 award |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11800_3555834,00.html |work=Sky Sports |date=12 May 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=4 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204143042/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11800_3555834,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema meilleur buteur |url=http://www.football365.fr/la-une/article_239022_L1-Benzema-meilleur-buteur.shtml |work=Football365 |date=18 May 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=5 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005053938/http://www.football365.fr/la-une/article_239022_L1-Benzema-meilleur-buteur.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> He won the 2008 [[Bravo Award]] given to the most outstanding young footballer playing in Europe,<ref>{{cite web |title=The "Bravo" Award |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |access-date=27 April 2020 |archive-date=1 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701223750/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was also shortlisted by ''[[France Football]]'' for the [[2008 Ballon d'Or]] award,<ref>{{cite news |title=Messi, Ronaldo lead Ballon d'Or short list |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/10/20/ballon.dor/index.html?eref=si_soccer |publisher=Cable News Network |date=20 October 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102223001/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/10/20/ballon.dor/index.html?eref=si_soccer |url-status=dead }}</ref> eventually won by [[Cristiano Ronaldo]].
[[Image:Karim Benzema 17586.jpg|thumb|Benzema during a training session with Lyon in 2008]]
Benzema got off to a good start for the [[2008–09 Ligue 1|2008–09 season]], scoring twice in Lyon's opening league match against [[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lyon v. Toulouse Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J01&num_ordre=5 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=10 August 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430165321/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J01&num_ordre=5 |archive-date=30 April 2009 }}</ref> The following three weeks, he scored goals against [[Rhône-Alpes]] rivals [[Grenoble Foot 38|Grenoble]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon v. Grenoble Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J03&num_ordre=5 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=23 August 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425063446/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&num_ordre=5&code_jr_tr=J03 |archive-date=25 April 2009}}</ref> and Saint-Étienne<ref>{{cite news |title=Saint-Etienne v. Lyon Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J04&num_ordre=9 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=31 August 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430165113/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J04&num_ordre=9 |archive-date=30 April 2009}}</ref> and scored a goal against Nice, converting a [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty]] in the dying seconds.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon v. Nice Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J05&num_ordre=5 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=13 September 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423060551/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&num_ordre=5&code_jr_tr=J05 |archive-date=23 April 2009}}</ref> Lyon won all three matches. As a result of his early goals, Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas quelled the many transfer rumors surrounding Benzema by placing a €100&nbsp;million price tag on the striker. He was also nominated alongside [[Franck Ribéry]] to be featured on the French cover of the video game ''[[FIFA 09]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/games/news/86471/%5BMulti%5D-FIFA-2009-Cover-Players.htm|title=The players to appear on FIFA 2009 game covers are revealed.|work=411Mania|date=29 September 2008|access-date=25 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005022615/http://www.411mania.com/games/news/86471/%5BMulti%5D-FIFA-2009-Cover-Players.htm|archive-date=5 October 2008}}</ref>

He scored his seventh goal of the league on 29 October, scoring in the 2–0 win over [[FC Sochaux-Montbéliard|Sochaux]]. Benzema scored again the following weekend in a 2–0 win over [[Le Mans FC|Le Mans]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/match?id=252159&league=FRA.1&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324054345/http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/match?id=252159&league=FRA.1&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 March 2012 |title=Lyon 2&nbsp;– 0 Le Mans |publisher=ESPN |date=2 November 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 }}</ref> He was among the top scorers in the [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] group stage, scoring five goals,<ref>{{cite news |title=Top scorers |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/statistics/players/typestat=gs/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=4 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204015346/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/statistics/players/typestat=gs/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> a double against Steaua București,<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon prove too strong for valiant Steaua |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302732/report=rp.html |publisher=UEFA |date=21 October 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=23 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223062714/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302732/report=rp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> two goals in two matches against [[Fiorentina]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon fight back denies Fiorentina |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302692/report=rp.html |publisher=UEFA |date=17 September 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=25 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625192141/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302692/report=rp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema leads Lyon onwards |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302764/report=rp.html |publisher=UEFA |date=25 November 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130044104/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302764/report=rp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a goal against the eventual group winners [[Bayern Munich]] on the final match day.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bayern hold on to edge past Lyon |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302772/report=rp.html |publisher=UEFA |date=10 December 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=15 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415183408/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15276/match=302772/report=rp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Following the [[Christmas and holiday season|winter break]], Benzema endured a rough patch going scoreless the first three games before recording his 11th goal of the season against Nice in a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nice v. Lyon Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J23&num_ordre=8 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=8 February 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415115050/http://lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&num_ordre=8&code_jr_tr=J23 |archive-date=15 April 2009}}</ref> Two weeks later, he scored his 12th goal against [[AS Nancy|Nancy]] in a 2–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nancy v. Lyon Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J25&num_ordre=6 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=21 February 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505022004/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J25&num_ordre=6 |archive-date=5 May 2009}}</ref> The next nine matches, both Benzema and Lyon's form dwindled losing four matches, drawing three and winning only two with Benzema scoring only two goals in that stretch, both of them against Le Mans in a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Le Mans v. Lyon Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J30&num_ordre=4 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=4 April 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523230301/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J30&num_ordre=4 |archive-date=23 May 2009}}</ref> The bad form resulted in Lyon losing their grip on first-place position and eventually falling out of the title race, thus ending their streak of seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon's Karim Benzema tips the title Bordeaux's way |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/19/bordeaux-marseille-lyon-ligue-1 |work=The Guardian |date=19 May 2009 |access-date=27 August 2009 |location=London |first=Ben |last=Lyttleton |archive-date=28 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228144839/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/19/bordeaux-marseille-lyon-ligue-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema was a part of four of those title runs.

Despite losing the title, Benzema got back on track scoring his 15th and 16th goals of the season on 17 May in a 3–1 away victory over rivals [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]], the first goal being a penalty.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=252311&cc=5901 |title=Marseille 1 – 5 Lyon |publisher=ESPN |date=17 May 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023112056/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=252311&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He scored his 17th goal the following weekend against [[Stade Malherbe Caen|Caen]] in a 3–1 victory moving him into third place among Ligue 1 top scorers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lyon v. Caen Match Report |url=http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&num_ordre=5&code_jr_tr=J37 |work=Ligue de Football Professionel |date=23 May 2009 |access-date=25 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625130621/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J37&num_ordre=5 |archive-date=25 June 2009}}</ref>

===Real Madrid===
====2009–10: Transfer and adapting to Spain====
On 1 July 2009, it was announced that Lyon had reached an agreement with Spanish club [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] for the transfer of Benzema. The transfer fee was priced at €35&nbsp;million with the fee rising to as much as €41&nbsp;million based on incentives.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/5712487/Karim-Benzema-joins-Real-Madrid-after-snubbing-Manchester-United.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/5712487/Karim-Benzema-joins-Real-Madrid-after-snubbing-Manchester-United.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Karim Benzema joins Real Madrid after snubbing Manchester United |date=1 July 2009|access-date=12 March 2015|work=The Telegraph|last=Burt|first=Jason}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Transfert de Karim Benzema au Real Madrid |url=http://www.olweb.fr/fr/Accueil/100007/Article/50470/Transfert-de-Karim-Benzema-au-Real-Madrid |work=Olympique Lyonnais |date=1 July 2009 |access-date=1 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090702111827/http://www.olweb.fr/fr/Accueil/100007/Article/50470/Transfert%2Dde%2DKarim%2DBenzema%2Dau%2DReal%2DMadrid |archive-date=2 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/658536/forward-karim-benzema-joins-real-madrid-from-lyon |title=Forward Benzema joins Real Madrid from Lyon |date=1 July 2009 |access-date=12 March 2015 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085556/http://www.espnfc.com/story/658536/forward-karim-benzema-joins-real-madrid-from-lyon |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/07/01/lyon.benzema.real.madrid/index.html|title=Lyon accept Real Madrid offer for Benzema|date=2 July 2009|access-date=12 March 2015|publisher=CNN|archive-date=15 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815114744/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/07/01/lyon.benzema.real.madrid/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 July, Benzema successfully passed his medical and signed his contract, a six-year deal, later that afternoon.<ref>{{citation|title=Benzema passes medical at Real Madrid|url=http://metro.co.uk/2009/07/09/benzema-passes-medical-at-real-madrid-265812/|work=Metro|date=9 July 2009|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716123423/http://metro.co.uk/2009/07/09/benzema-passes-medical-at-real-madrid-265812/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was presented officially as a Real Madrid player later that night at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium]], similarly to the previous signings of [[Kaká]] and Cristiano Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite web |title=Karim Benzema Thanks Florentino Perez at Official Real Madrid Presentation |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/07/09/1373590/karim-benzema-thanks-florentino-perez-at-official-real |work=Goal (website) |date=8 July 2009 |access-date=12 March 2015 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142857/http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/07/09/1373590/karim-benzema-thanks-florentino-perez-at-official-real |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema made his Real Madrid debut on 20 July in the club's opening [[pre-season]] [[Friendly (association football)|friendly]] against Irish team [[Shamrock Rovers]] in [[Dublin]], appearing as a half-time substitute.<ref>{{cite news|title=Benzema Strikes To Edge Real Madrid Past Spirited Shamrock Rovers|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1783/club-friendlies/2009/07/20/1393903/benzema-strikes-to-edge-real-madrid-past-spirited-shamrock|work=Goal (website)|date=20 July 2009|access-date=11 February 2011|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622005339/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1783/club-friendlies/2009/07/20/1393903/benzema-strikes-to-edge-real-madrid-past-spirited-shamrock|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored the lone goal in the club's 1–0 win, scoring in the 87th minute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ronaldo quiet as Rovers almost hold off Real |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=661981&sec=europe&cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN |date=20 July 2009 |access-date=20 July 2009 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023112104/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=661981&sec=europe&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 24 August, Benzema netted two goals in Real Madrid's 4–0 victory over Norwegian club Rosenborg in an annual friendly tournament organized for the [[Santiago Bernabeu Trophy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Madrid cruises past Rosenborg 4–0|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/madrid-cruises-past-rosenborg-40/article8669.ece|work=The Hindu|date=25 August 2009|access-date=11 February 2011|archive-date=15 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115102611/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/madrid-cruises-past-rosenborg-40/article8669.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The goals brought his total tally in the pre-season with Real Madrid to five, making him the joint top scorer alongside fellow striker [[Raúl (footballer)|Raúl]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Led by Benzema, Real Madrid cruises past Rosenborg 4–0 in pre-season |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5grIhuXBvcEANFkEL4nY5BDBW1xiQ |agency=The Canadian Press |date=24 August 2009 |access-date=26 August 2009 |archive-date=3 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903034724/http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5grIhuXBvcEANFkEL4nY5BDBW1xiQ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Benzema - Rodriguez.jpg|thumb|left|Benzema playing against [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]] in a Champions League match in 2009]]
Benzema made his league debut for Madrid on 29 August 2009 against [[Deportivo La Coruña]]. He started the match, but was substituted out in the second half as Madrid won 3–2.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid 3–2 Deportivo La Coruña |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275652&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=5 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905041511/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275652&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A month later, he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–0 victory against newly promoted [[Xerez]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo nets twice in rout |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275662&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718044525/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275662&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=20 September 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> After missing the mid-week match against [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]], against [[CD Tenerife|Tenerife]] at the weekend, Benzema scored his first double for Madrid in a 3–0 home victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Madrid maintain winning start |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275847&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714053600/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275847&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=26 September 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> He made his Champions League debut for the club on 30 September in a group stage tie against Marseille.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo and Kaká see off Marseille |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2000385--real-madrid-vs-marseille/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905045446/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2010/matches/round=2000028/match=2000385/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After failing to score a goal in the month of October, in the team's first match in November against [[Italy|Italian]] club [[A.C. Milan|Milan]] in the Champions League, Benzema scored the opener to give Madrid a 1–0 lead. His goal was later cancelled out by a [[Ronaldinho]] penalty.<ref>{{cite news |title=Honours even for Milan and Madrid |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2000424--milan-vs-real-madrid/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=3 November 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=1 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901000311/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2010/matches/round=2000028/match=2000424/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In late November, Benzema began appearing mainly as a substitute as manager [[Manuel Pellegrini]] preferred [[Gonzalo Higuaín]] in the lead striker role. To coincide with his benching, the striker was also being criticized by the Spanish media for his under-performance and difficulties settling in the country as he had not yet begun learning the [[Spanish language]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pellegrini insists Benzema is fitting in at Real |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=709949&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=11 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091211122031/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=709949&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema now Real's trump card |first=Andy |last=Mitten |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/andy-mitten/benzema-now-real-trump-card-466.html |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |date=24 March 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207005512/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/andy-mitten/benzema-now-real-trump-card-466.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was even declared the "new [[Nicolas Anelka|Anelka]]" by a ''[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]'' blogger, referring to former Real Madrid striker Nicolas Anelka who had a tumultuous year at the club before being sold.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema, el nuevo Anelka... |url=http://www.marca.com/blogs/balondesastre/2009/12/02/benzema-el-nuevo-anelka.html |work=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |date=2 December 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=es |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605130534/https://www.marca.com/blogs/balondesastre/2009/12/02/benzema-el-nuevo-anelka.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema was defended by his compatriot Zinedine Zidane, who admitted "after two months, I was also criticized" and that Benzema was "a talented player and talented players in Madrid must win".<ref>{{cite news |title=Zidane, sobre Kaká y Benzema: "A los dos meses también yo fui criticado" |url=http://www.marca.com/2009/12/01/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1259698642.html |work=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |date=1 December 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=es |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605130533/https://www.marca.com/2009/12/01/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1259698642.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 5 December, Benzema appeared as a substitute for [[Rafael van der Vaart]] and scored the third goal in a 6–0 romp of [[UD Almería|Almería]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo endures eventful night |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275739&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714010440/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275739&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=5 December 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> The day after the match against Almería, Benzema responded to the criticism by stating, "I am totally integrated and very happy at Real Madrid", and, "Yes, I have improved my adaptation. I have a new home and I'm learning Spanish to understand myself better with my teammates."<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema: "Estoy totalmente integrado y muy feliz en el Real Madrid" |url=http://www.marca.com/2009/12/06/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1260105750.html |work=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |date=6 December 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=es |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605130535/https://www.marca.com/2009/12/06/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1260105750.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After nearly a month coming off of the bench, he started alongside Higuaín away to [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] on 12 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Garay header secures Real win |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275588&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716055031/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275588&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=12 December 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> A week later, Benzema returned to the bench. Following an injury to Higuaín in early January 2010, Pellegrini inserted Benzema back into the starting lineup.<ref>{{cite news |first=Philips-Knight |last=Rob |title=Benzema's chance to shine |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=725550&sec=europe&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=15 January 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=19 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119043217/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=725550&sec=europe&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After failing to score in his first two starts in the absence of Higuaín, against Deportivo La Coruña on 30 January, he scored a double in an important 3–1 away win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Primera Liga round-up |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_5901962,00.html |work=Sky Sports |date=31 January 2010 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-date=4 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204153314/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_5901962,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Match report: Deportivo La Coruña 1–3 Real Madrid |url=http://www.realmadridzone.com/match-report-deportivo-la-coruna-1-3-real-madrid/ |work=Real Madrid Zone |date=30 January 2010 |access-date=2 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713112313/http://www.realmadridzone.com/match-report-deportivo-la-coruna-1-3-real-madrid/ |archive-date=13 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Following the return of Higuaín, Benzema was relegated back to a substitute's role and finished the campaign by making eight consecutive appearances off the bench. Included in one of those appearances was his final goal of the season against [[Athletic Bilbao]] in a 5–1 win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real take it to the wire |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275584&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717205735/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275584&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=8 May 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref>

====2010–11: First-team mainstay====
[[File:La alegría del gol, Benzema.jpg|thumb|Benzema celebrating a goal against [[Espanyol]] in 2010]]

Ahead of the [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11 season]], Benzema switched to the number 9 shirt as Real Madrid were under the tutelage of new incoming manager [[José Mourinho]]. The striker immediately drew the ire of Mourinho who declared to reporters during a pre-season media session that "Benzema must understand that he is extremely talented, but that in itself is not enough", while also stating that "[Madrid] need a striker who is sparky, not one that is listless".<ref>{{cite news |title=Mourinho calls on Benzema to wake up |url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100823/football/mourinho-calls-on-benzema-to-wake-up.323614 |work=The Times |location=Malta |date=23 August 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=6 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606084035/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100823/football/mourinho-calls-on-benzema-to-wake-up.323614 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mourinho sentiments were later echoed by incoming France national team coach [[Laurent Blanc]] who acknowledged that Benzema was "not used to working".<ref name="Plans">{{cite news |title=Mourinho plans to keep Benzema |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=812674&sec=europe&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=16 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816104744/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=812674&sec=europe&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Blanc also stated that the striker needed to shed weight in order to fulfill his potential.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema finally on glory path |url=http://www.namibiansun.com/content/international-sport/benzema-finally-glory-path |work=Namibian Sun |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=6 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026194739/http://www.namibiansun.com/content/international-sport/benzema-finally-glory-path |archive-date=26 October 2013}}</ref>

Due to Mourinho preferring Ronaldo and Higuaín as his forwards,<ref name="Plans"/> Benzema began the campaign as a substitute coming off the bench in the team's opening league match of the season against [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Real take it to the wire |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275584&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717205735/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275584&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=29 August 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> Following the September international break, he made his first start in a 1–0 win over [[Osasuna]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Carvalho rescues Mourinho |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301878&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717092117/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301878&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=11 September 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> On 21 September, Benzema made a substitute appearance and scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 home win against [[Espanyol]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Madrid cruise to win |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301950&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=21 September 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=26 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926233709/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301950&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Afterwards, the striker failed to score a domestic goal for nearly two months.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

On 10 November, Benzema scored his second goal of the campaign against [[Real Murcia]] in the [[2010–11 Copa del Rey|2010–11 edition]] of the [[Copa del Rey]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid 5–1 Murcia |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=308803&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729162422/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=308803&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=10 November 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> In late November, Benzema was inserted into the starting eleven following a severe back injury to Higuaín, along with the team's lack of senior strikers. In his first match since being inserted into the starting lineup permanently, he scored his first Champions League goal of the season in a group stage fixture against [[Netherlands|Dutch]] club [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Masterful Madrid take top spot in style |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2002893--ajax-vs-real-madrid/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=3 November 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622005313/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2011/matches/round=2000118/match=2002893/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In Madrid's final group stage tie against [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]], Benzema scored his first [[hat trick]] for the club in a 4–0 win. The first goal he scored was Real Madrid's 300th goal in the Champions League era.<ref>{{cite news |title=Madrid's Benzema leaves Auxerre rooted to the spot |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2002901--real-madrid-vs-auxerre/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612234643/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2011/matches/round=2000118/match=2002901/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid 4–0 Auxerre |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=307816&cc=5739 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=8 December 2010 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024050535/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=307816&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two weeks later, Benzema converted another hat trick, this time in an 8–0 thrashing of [[Levante UD|Levante]] in the Copa del Rey.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid 8–0 Levante |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=311145&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=22 December 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=26 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226174523/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=311145&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In late January, for the first time in his Real Madrid career, Benzema scored goals in back-to-back matches. On 23 January, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win at home against Mallorca.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema nets vital winner |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301942&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724201444/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301942&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=23 January 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> Three days later, Benzema repeated his efforts scoring the only goal in a win over [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] in the first leg of the team's Copa del Rey semi-final tie.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema advantage |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=312248&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716153143/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=312248&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=26 January 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> Real Madrid later advanced to its 37th Copa del Rey final in club history after beating Sevilla 2–0 in the second leg.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real into final |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=312205&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716020929/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=312205&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=2 February 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref>
[[File:Benzema dribbles.jpg|thumb|left|Benzema playing in a league match against [[UD Almería|Almería]] in 2011]]
Following the arrival of [[Emmanuel Adebayor]] on loan, Benzema went unused in two consecutive league matches in February 2011. He returned to the starting lineup on 19 February and embarked on a run in which he scored ten goals in eight matches. Included in those ten goals were doubles in three straight matches against [[Málaga CF|Málaga]], [[Racing Santander]] and Hércules, as well as a goal in the first leg of Madrid's Round of 16 tie against former club Lyon.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pellegrini endures miserable return |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301919&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713235113/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301919&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=3 March 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema double keeps Real hopes alive |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302009&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=6 March 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=10 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310074905/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302009&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema bags brace |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302176&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730202516/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302176&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=12 March 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> The strike against his hometown club was the 100th goal of his professional career, and also the first goal for Real Madrid at the Stade de Gerland in six years, though despite the honours associated with netting the goal, Benzema did not celebrate out of respect for his former club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gomis goal pegs back Madrid |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2003757--lyon-vs-real-madrid/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=22 February 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=31 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831235729/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2011/matches/round=2000119/match=2003757/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 19 March, he scored the opener in the ''El Derbi madrileño'' as Real Madrid went on to win the match 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real take derby spoils |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301843&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713233225/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301843&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=19 March 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> Despite his form, Benzema appeared in only one of the four highly anticipated matches against ''[[El Clásico]]'' rivals [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], in which the two clubs met in the league, the [[2011 Copa del Rey final]] and the Champions League knockout stage. In between those clashes, on 23 April 2011, Benzema scored a goal in a 6–3 win over Valencia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Madrid continue impressive form |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301882&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=23 April 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=28 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428013824/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=301882&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 30 April, he scored a goal in the team's 3–2 loss to Real Zaragoza.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zaragoza dent Real title dream |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302162&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719044434/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302162&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=30 April 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 }}</ref> It was the only match of the campaign that Real Madrid lost, in which Benzema scored. To close out the campaign, Benzema scored another double in an 8–1 win over Almería.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo breaks record in rout |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302157&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=21 May 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=24 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524014249/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=302157&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He finished the campaign second on the team behind Ronaldo with 26 goals as Real Madrid captured the Copa del Rey giving Benzema his first honour with the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo's late goal gives Real Madrid win over Barcelona in Copa del Rey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/apr/21/real-madrid-barcelona-copa-del-rey |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=21 April 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=22 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422152519/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/21/real-madrid-barcelona-copa-del-rey |url-status=live }}</ref> For his performances during the campaign, particularly during the second half, Benzema was praised by Mourinho, club officials [[Florentino Pérez]] and [[Emilio Butragueño]], as well as national team manager Laurent Blanc.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mourinho's gripes bring Benzema back to life |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/mourinhos-gripes-bring-benzema-back-to-life-2242769.html |work=[[The Independent]] |date=16 March 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622010432/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/mourinhos-gripes-bring-benzema-back-to-life-2242769.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Butragueno: Benzema 'understands' football|url=http://www.espnstar.com/football/primera-liga/news/detail/item599300/Butragueno:-Benzema-%27understands%27-football/|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=21 April 2011|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918093407/http://www.espnstar.com/football/primera-liga/news/detail/item599300/Butragueno%3A-Benzema-%27understands%27-football/|archive-date=18 September 2011|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Blanc compte sur Benzema |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/equipe-de-france-de-football/2011/06/02/02016-20110602ARTSPO00355-blanc-compte-sur-benzema.php |work=Le Figaro |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104155602/http://www.lefigaro.fr/equipe-de-france-de-football/2011/06/02/02016-20110602ARTSPO00355-blanc-compte-sur-benzema.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2011–12: First La Liga championship====
Prior to the start of the [[2011–12 La Liga|2011–12 season]], Benzema, taking the advice of compatriots Blanc and Zidane,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-08-09/france-looks-to-extend-unbeaten-run-faces-chile-in-friendly|title=France looks to extend unbeaten run, faces Chile in friendly|work=[[Sporting News]]|date=9 August 2011|access-date=7 May 2012|archive-date=11 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711031638/http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-08-09/france-looks-to-extend-unbeaten-run-faces-chile-in-friendly|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/fat-chance-20110805-1ifju.html|title=Fat chance|work=The Age|date=6 August 2011|access-date=7 May 2012|archive-date=4 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104121944/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/fat-chance-20110805-1ifju.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ventured to [[Merano]], Italy, to attend a high performance clinic where he underwent treatment to reduce his weight.<ref name="Weight">{{Cite web|url=http://www.goaledor.com/la-liga-news/premier-league-benzema-gives-key-be-better.html|title=Benzema gives the key to be better|work=Goaledor|date=5 August 2011|access-date=7 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109165912/http://www.goaledor.com/la-liga-news/premier-league-benzema-gives-key-be-better.html|archive-date=9 November 2014}}</ref> The spell at the clinic was ultimately a success after the striker arrived at pre-season {{convert|8|kg|lb}} lighter.<ref name="Weight"/> While at the clinic, Benzema also underwent physical training to build up his [[muscle mass]].<ref name="Weight"/> The striker was impressive in the pre-season scoring eight goals in seven matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1330064116769/noticia/Noticia/Benzema:_European_preseason_top_scorer.htm |title=Benzema: European preseason top scorer |work=[[Real Madrid C.F.]] |date=9 August 2011 |access-date=11 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915101633/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1330064116769/noticia/Noticia/Benzema:_European_preseason_top_scorer.htm |archive-date=15 September 2011}}</ref> His performances during the pre-season resulted in Mourinho naming him the starting lead striker for the new campaign. Mourinho was later credited with Benzema's transformation,<ref>{{cite web |title=Barcelona rise to El Clasico occasion as Lionel Messi outshines Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/8948480/Barcelona-rise-to-El-Clasico-occasion-as-Lionel-Messi-outshines-Real-Madrids-Cristiano-Ronaldo.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/8948480/Barcelona-rise-to-El-Clasico-occasion-as-Lionel-Messi-outshines-Real-Madrids-Cristiano-Ronaldo.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=10 December 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but denied full responsibility and, instead, gave credit to the striker himself.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema has confidence to impress Mourinho |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/55/18130/Sports/World/Benzema-has-confidence-to-impress-Mourinho.aspx |work=english.ahram.org.eg |date=10 September 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=27 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227025812/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/55/18130/Sports/World/Benzema-has-confidence-to-impress-Mourinho.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the second leg of the [[2011 Supercopa de España]] against Barcelona, and with Madrid trailing 4–3 on aggregate late in the match, Benzema scored the equalizing goal to even the tie at 4–4. However, six minutes later, a [[Lionel Messi]] strike gave Barcelona the supercup.<ref>{{cite news |title=Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=330063&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715221437/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=330063&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=17 August 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> In the team's second league match of the season against Getafe, Benzema scored a double in a 4–2 victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema at the double |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=324006&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713171026/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=324006&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=10 September 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> After going goalless in three consecutive league matches, he scored his third league goal of the campaign against [[Rayo Vallecano]] in a 4–2 win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo revels in Rayo rout |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323980&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729183619/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323980&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> In the team's ensuing match against Ajax in the Champions League, Benzema scored Madrid's third goal in a 3–0 home win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clinical Real see off Ajax |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=331232&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031124201/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=331232&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the club's next Champions League match against Lyon, Benzema scored again by netting the opener in a 4–0 win against Lyon.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real romp past Lyon |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=331241&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=18 October 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=21 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121001415/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=331241&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:KarimBenzema.jpg|thumb|upright=0.81|Benzema training ahead of a Champions League match in 2012]]

In November 2011, Benzema scored five goals; three in the league and two in Europe. In the league, he converted his three goals in wins over Osasuna and Valencia, while he scored his two Champions League goals in a 6–2 group stage win over [[Croatia]]n club [[Dinamo Zagreb]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo hits hat-trick |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323925&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=6 November 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=9 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109005239/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323925&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Real pass Los Che test |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323920&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718013752/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323920&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=19 November 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Perfect Madrid put six past Dinamo |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01f7-0e79a8b7cb4f-0598f140488b-1000--perfect-madrid-put-six-past-dinamo/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=22 November 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=24 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124231840/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000263/match=2007639/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 10 December 2011, Benzema scored the opener in Madrid's 3–1 defeat to Barcelona in the ''El Clásico''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Barca come back to win Clasico |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323887&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109050135/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323887&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 January 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=10 December 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> The goal, scored just 21 seconds into the match, was the fastest goal ever scored in a match between the two rivals.<ref>{{cite news |title=The five-point European review |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1556169.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110161117/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1556169.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 January 2012 |publisher=[[FIFA]] |date=12 December 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012}}</ref> Three days after his record-breaking goal, for his performances during the 2011 calendar year, Benzema was named the ''France Football'' [[French Player of the Year]], beating out Barcelona defender [[Eric Abidal]] and Lyon goalkeeper [[Hugo Lloris]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema élu Français de l'année |url=http://www.tf1.fr/telefoot/news-football/benzema-elu-francais-de-l-annee-6873222.html |work=[[TF1]] |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110143227/http://www.tf1.fr/telefoot/news-football/benzema-elu-francais-de-l-annee-6873222.html |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He became only the second French player based in Spain to win the award, and also the second Real Madrid player to capture it. Zidane was the first to achieve both honorable mentions. Benzema expressed gratitude at winning the award, stating, "It is a pleasure to win an individual trophy. When I see the previous winners – Zidane, [[Thierry Henry|Henry]] and other major players – it makes me proud to join them on the list."<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema named France player of the year |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/996025/real-madrid%27s-karim-benzema-gets-france-player-of-the-year-award?cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111211807/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/996025/real-madrid%27s-karim-benzema-gets-france-player-of-the-year-award?cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the team's next match after winning the award, against Sevilla, Benzema assisted two goals in a 6–2 triumph.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real rout Sevilla |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323882&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=17 December 2011 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=12 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112042614/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323882&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Benzema opened the 2012 portion of the campaign in positive form. He scored goals against [[Granada CF|Granada]] and Málaga.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rampant Real extend lead |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=327694&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=7 January 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111035045/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=327694&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Benzema scored against the latter club in the Copa del Rey in each leg of the Round of 16.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid 3–2 Málaga |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=335279&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717074005/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=335279&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Málaga 0–1 Real Madrid |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=334952&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=10 January 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113030512/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=334952&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 4–2 aggregate win advanced Real Madrid to the quarter-finals where the club faced Barcelona. After failing to score in the first leg, which ended 2–1 in favour of ''Barça'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Barca fight back at the Bernabeu |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=335877&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=18 January 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=21 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121175047/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=335877&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in the second leg on 25 January 2012, Benzema scored his third goal of the season against the ''Blaugrana'', but Madrid failed to win the tie losing 4–3 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news |title=Barca hold on to eliminate holders Real |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=335881&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=25 January 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128001808/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=335881&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 12 February, Benzema scored his first league goal in over a month against Levante.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ronaldo inspires rampant Real |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323827&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715040126/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323827&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=12 February 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> A week later, he scored a double in a 4–0 shutout of Racing Santander.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid rout Racing |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323818&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719122425/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323818&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=18 February 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> On 24 March, Benzema scored two goals in a league win over Real Sociedad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real return to winning ways |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323765&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328001837/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323765&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 March 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=24 March 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> The two goals made him the top French scorer in La Liga history surpassing Zidane.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema becomes top scoring Frenchman in La Liga |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/03_Marzo_Actualidad_11-12/1330092135712/noticia/Noticia/Benzema_joins_Zidane_as_top_scoring_Frenchman_in_La_Liga.htm |work=[[Real Madrid C.F.]] |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422143110/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/03_Marzo_Actualidad_11-12/1330092135712/noticia/Noticia/Benzema_joins_Zidane_as_top_scoring_Frenchman_in_La_Liga.htm |archive-date=22 April 2012}}</ref> Three days later, Benzema scored another double in a 3–0 first leg away win over Cypriot team [[APOEL]] in the Champions League quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kaká inspires Madrid to victory at APOEL |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01fb-0e9d10ad44e0-070ee76d3f5c-1000--kaka-inspires-madrid-to-victory-at-apoel/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=27 March 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=17 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217123903/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000265/match=2007681/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 April, Benzema put in a masterful performance scoring two goals and assisting another in a 3–0 win over Sevilla. The double was his seventh of the season and allowed Madrid to close in on its first ''Primera Division'' title in four years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Title within Real's reach |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323712&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714091450/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323712&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=24 March 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref> ''Los Blancos'' captured their 32nd league title the following week cruising to a 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid wins La Liga title |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7883524/real-madrid-wraps-32nd-spanish-league-title |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006160944/http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7883524/real-madrid-wraps-32nd-spanish-league-title |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema appeared as a second-half substitute in the match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real win title in style |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323856&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714184031/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=323856&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=7 May 2012 }}</ref>

====2012–2016: Sustained continental success====
On the first matchday of the Champions League, Benzema scored an equalizer against [[Manchester City]] in 3–2 win at Santiago Bernabéu. On 4 October 2012, Benzema scored a bicycle kick goal off a cross by Kaká in a 4–1 win against Ajax in [[Amsterdam]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Ronaldo-at-the-treble-as-Real-Madrid-sink-Ajax/articleshow/16662259.cms|title=Ronaldo at the treble as Real Madrid sink Ajax|work=The Times of India|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-date=5 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005094607/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Ronaldo-at-the-treble-as-Real-Madrid-sink-Ajax/articleshow/16662259.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 December, one day before his 25th birthday, his fine form saw him earn the award for best French footballer of 2012, for the second year running.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.football-espana.net/26941/benzema-france%E2%80%99s-player-2012|title=Benzema, France's Player of 2012|publisher=football-espana.net|access-date=18 December 2012|archive-date=3 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103201040/http://www.football-espana.net/26941/benzema-france%E2%80%99s-player-2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 March 2013, Benzema opened the scoring against Barcelona in the league game at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real went on to win the game 2–1, the second time they beat Barcelona in a week.

Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Benzema became part of a trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and newly signed [[Gareth Bale]] – dubbed "BBC".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=How Benzema stepped out of the shadows |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56566275 |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526200829/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56566275 |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema started the season by scoring in a 2–1 win over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu.<ref>{{cite web |title=Real Madrid vs. Real Betis – 18 August 2013 – Soccerway |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/08/18/spain/primera-division/real-madrid-club-de-futbol/real-betis/1517629/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=18 August 2013 |access-date=18 February 2018 |archive-date=19 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219053535/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/08/18/spain/primera-division/real-madrid-club-de-futbol/real-betis/1517629/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After four matches without scoring (two with Real Madrid and two with France), he returned to goal-scoring form by netting twice in a 6–1 away win over [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]] in [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Galatasay vs. Real Madrid – 17 September 2013 – Soccerway |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/17/europe/uefa-champions-league/galatasaray-sk/real-madrid-club-de-futbol/1584499/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=18 February 2018 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218234803/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/17/europe/uefa-champions-league/galatasaray-sk/real-madrid-club-de-futbol/1584499/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 January 2014, he scored his 100th goal for Madrid in a 5–0 victory at [[Real Betis]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25717692 |title=Real Betis 0–5 Real Madrid |work=BBC Sport |date=18 January 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014 |archive-date=25 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125075637/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25717692 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 March, Benzema scored two goals against fierce rivals Barcelona in ''El Clásico'' at the Bernabéu from two crosses by [[Ángel Di María]], taking his goal tally in La Liga to 17 goals, though Barcelona won the match 4–3.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barca tops Real Madrid in Clasico thriller |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/barca-tops-real-madrid-in-clasico-thriller/ |publisher=Fox News |date=23 March 2014 |access-date=24 March 2014 |archive-date=24 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324173830/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/03/23/barca-tops-real-madrid-in-clasico-thriller/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Karim Benzema vs. FC Schalke 04 (16647992937).jpg|thumb|upright=0.86|Benzema playing for Real Madrid in 2015]]

Benzema was part of Real Madrid's starting eleven in the [[2014 Copa del Rey final]] on 16 April at the [[Mestalla Stadium]], and assisted Di María's opening goal before [[Gareth Bale]] hit the winner for Madrid in a 2–1 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Real Madrid's Gareth Bale gallops past Barcelona to land Copa del Rey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/16/barcelona-real-madrid-copa-del-rey-match-report-gareth-bale/ |work=The Guardian (London) |date=16 April 2014 |access-date=12 December 2016 |archive-date=2 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202081549/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/16/barcelona-real-madrid-copa-del-rey-match-report-gareth-bale |url-status=live }}</ref> One week later, on 23 April, Benzema scored the only goal of the game to win the first leg of a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, 1–0.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27119749|title=Real Madrid 1–0 Bayern Munich|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192134/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27119749|url-status=live}}</ref> The club went on to win the [[2014 UEFA Champions League final|final]] in May. Real Madrid's attacking trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano, dubbed "BBC", finished the season with 97 goals.<ref>{{cite news|title=200 goals for the BBC|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2015/09/200-goals-by-the-bbc|publisher=Real Madrid C.F.|date=24 October 2015|access-date=24 October 2015|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125120257/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2015/09/200-goals-by-the-bbc|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 6 August 2014, Real Madrid announced that Benzema had signed a new five-year deal that would keep him at the club until 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2014/08/official-statement-benzema|title=Official statement: Benzema|publisher=Real Madrid C.F.|date=6 August 2014|access-date=6 August 2014|archive-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808211739/http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2014/08/official-statement-benzema|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 August 2014, Benzema played the whole 90 minutes in Real Madrid's 2–0 win against Sevilla in [[Cardiff]] to claim the [[2014 UEFA Super Cup|UEFA Super Cup]]. On 16 September, Benzema scored Real Madrid's 1,000th goal in [[UEFA competitions|European competition]] after netting a goal in a 5–1 victory over [[FC Basel|Basel]] in the first match of the [[2014–15 UEFA Champions League group stage|Champions League group stage]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Real Madrid 5 – 1 FC Basel|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29210808|access-date=18 September 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=16 September 2014|archive-date=18 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918011041/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29210808|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored the winning goal in Real Madrid's 2–1 away victory against [[PFC Ludogorets Razgrad|Ludogorets Razgrad]] in the Champions League after coming on as a second-half substitute.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29362676|title=Ludogorets Razgrad 1–2 Real Madrid|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031104439/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29362676|url-status=live}}</ref> The next weekend, he scored a brace in the 5–0 victory against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29476562|title=Real Madrid 5–0 Athletic Bilbao|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013024224/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29476562|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, Benzema won France Football's award for [[French Player of the Year]] for the third time; only [[Thierry Henry]] has won this award on more occasions.<ref>{{cite web |title=France – Footballer of the Year |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/franpoy.html |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |access-date=27 April 2020 |archive-date=5 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905115225/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/franpoy.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Benzema was chosen as [[La Liga Player of the Month]] for October 2014, with his manager [[Carlo Ancelotti]] winning [[La Liga Manager of the Month|the equivalent award]]. He scored three of Real Madrid's 13 goals of the month, in which they won three matches and only conceded just one goal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Benzema nets Player of the Month gong|url=http://www.marca.com/en/2014/11/14/en/football/real_madrid/1415969938.html|access-date=17 November 2014|work=Marca|location=Spain|date=14 November 2014|archive-date=17 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117012745/http://www.marca.com/en/2014/11/14/en/football/real_madrid/1415969938.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 December 2015, Benzema scored a hat trick in an 8–0 thrashing against [[Malmö FF|Malmö]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0228-0e92cb1b045d-13a834dc2ded-1000--ronaldo-rampant-as-madrid-put-eight-past-malmo/|title=Ronaldo rampant as Madrid put eight past Malmö|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=8 December 2015|access-date=9 December 2015|archive-date=10 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610075417/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2016/matches/round=2000634/match=2015746/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 December, he scored another hat trick in a 10–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Madrid 10–2 Rayo Vallecano|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35141793|publisher=BBC|access-date=20 December 2015|date=20 December 2015|archive-date=20 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220171613/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35141793|url-status=live}}</ref> He was a regular starter when the team won the [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/022d-0e957c5979eb-37493cb53cd0-1000--spot-on-real-madrid-defeat-atletico-in-final-again/|title=Spot-on Real Madrid defeat Atlético in final again|date=28 May 2016|publisher=UEFA|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=10 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110225552/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2016/matches/round=2000638/match=2015789/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2016–2018: European threepeat and second league title====
[[File:Real Madrid, campeón de la Champions (27282349052).jpg|thumb|left|Benzema with [[Cristina Cifuentes]] during the 2016 Champions League title celebrations in Madrid]]

In December 2016, Benzema was called up in Real Madrid's [[2016 FIFA Club World Cup squads|squad]] for the [[2016 FIFA Club World Cup]] in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0234-0e95e6f5e791-c4a8318dc5a6-1000--real-madrid-prepare-for-fifa-club-world-cup/|title=Real Madrid prepare for FIFA Club World Cup|publisher=UEFA|date=14 December 2016|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615065323/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2431480.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the semi-final match against [[Club América|América]] on 15 December, Benzema scored in the last moments of the first half, helping the team to progress in the final by winning 2–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/am%C3%A9rica-vs-real-madrid/2357632/report|title=Club America 0–2 Real Madrid: Benzema and Ronaldo fire Blancos to final|work=Goal (website)|first=Joe|last=Wright|date=15 December 2016|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220073907/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/am%C3%A9rica-vs-real-madrid/2357632/report|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2016 FIFA Club World Cup final|final]] three days later against [[Kashima Antlers]], Benzema opened the score in the ninth minute, and also assisted Ronaldo's second goal, as Real Madrid won 4–2 in extra time after the regular time finished 2–2 to claim their second title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/real-madrid/86/blog/post/3022686/cristiano-ronaldo-goals-and-karim-benzema-class-decisive-as-real-madrid-win-club-world-cup|title=Ronaldo's goals, Benzema's class decisive as Real Madrid win Club World Cup|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Rob|last=Train|date=18 December 2016|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220055835/http://www.espnfc.com/club/real-madrid/86/blog/post/3022686/cristiano-ronaldo-goals-and-karim-benzema-class-decisive-as-real-madrid-win-club-world-cup|url-status=live}}</ref> It was Benzema's tenth title with Real Madrid, and finished the competition as joint-second topscorer with two goals in two matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/statistics/players/goal-scored.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220211902/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/statistics/players/goal-scored.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 December 2014|title=FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016 – Statistics – Players – Top goals|publisher=FIFA|date=18 December 2016|access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref>

On 15 February 2017, in the first leg of [[2016–17 UEFA Champions League]] [[2016–17 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|round of 16]] against [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]], Benzema scored Real Madrid's first goal in an eventual 3–1 home win, which was his 51st goal in this competition, overtaking [[Thierry Henry]] on the list of [[European Cup and UEFA Champions League records and statistics#All-time top scorers|all-time Champions League top scorers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/02/15/32720392/benzema-passes-henry-on-champions-league-top-scorers-list|title=Benzema passes Henry on Champions League top scorers list|work=Goal (website)|date=15 February 2017|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215231447/http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/02/15/32720392/benzema-passes-henry-on-champions-league-top-scorers-list|url-status=live}}</ref> It was his first goal in six matches and for this performance he was voted Man of the Match.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/karim-benzema-ends-drought-with-a-record-breaking-goal-4527687/|title=Karim Benzema ends drought with a record breaking goal|work=The Indian Express|date=16 February 2017|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712054615/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/karim-benzema-ends-drought-with-a-record-breaking-goal-4527687/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was a regular starter, and scored the last goal of the season which gave him eleven for the campaign, when Madrid won the [[2016–17 La Liga]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laliga.com/noticias/real-madrid-campeon-de-laliga-santander-2016-17|title=El Real Madrid, campeón de LaLiga Santander 2016/17|date=21 May 2017|work=laliga.es|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712180825/http://www.laliga.es/noticias/real-madrid-campeon-de-laliga-santander-2016-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39926301|title=Real Madrid win La Liga title with victory at Malaga|date=21 May 2017|publisher=BBC|access-date=9 June 2022|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012014249/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39926301|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[2016–17 UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0c5117c008df-de0901ea6dae-1000--majestic-real-madrid-win-champions-league-in-cardiff/|title=Majestic Real Madrid win Champions League in Cardiff|date=3 June 2017|publisher=UEFA|access-date=4 June 2017|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331042605/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2017/matches/round=2000787/match=2019641/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 September 2017, Benzema signed a contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/09/ceremony-to-mark-benzemas-contract-renewal|title=Ceremony to mark Benzema's contract renewal|publisher=Real Madrid C.F.|date=20 September 2017|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921002742/http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/09/ceremony-to-mark-benzemas-contract-renewal|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, on 6 March of the following year, Benzema made his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance by playing in the 2–1 win at [[Parc des Princes]] against [[Paris Saint-Germain]] in the second leg of [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League#Round of 16|2017–18 UEFA Champions League round of 16]] as Real Madrid progressed to the next round 5–2 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/03/06/5a9dd0b8468aeb466f8b463c.html |title=Benzema is set for his 100th Champions League appearance |work=Marca |location=Spain |first1=Pablo |last1=Polo |first2=Patricia |last2=Terroba |date=6 March 2018 |access-date=7 March 2018 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622032500/http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/03/06/5a9dd0b8468aeb466f8b463c.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43291900|title=Paris St-Germain 1–2 Real Madrid (2–5 on aggregate)|work=BBC Sport|first=Michael|last=Emons|date=6 March 2018|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306234556/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43291900|url-status=live}}</ref> Benzema played his 400th match in all competitions for Real Madrid on 31 March in the 3–0 win at [[UD Las Palmas|Las Palmas]], [[Captain (association football)|captaining]] the team and netting the second goal with a penalty.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/en/2018/03/30/football/1522408901_747803.html|title=Karim Benzema's 400th game overshadowed by goal drought|publisher=AS|author=Manu de Juan|date=31 March 2018|access-date=31 March 2018|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622004927/https://en.as.com/en/2018/03/30/football/1522408901_747803.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 May, Benzema scored twice in a 2–2 draw against [[Bayern Munich]] in the return leg of the [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League#Semi-finals|2017–18 UEFA Champions League semi-final]], as Real progressed to the final on a 4–3 aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43900079|title=Real Madrid 2–2 Bayern Munich (4–3 aggregate)|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430192111/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43900079|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 May, Benzema scored the first goal of the match in [[2018 UEFA Champions League final]] by intercepting [[Loris Karius]]'s throw in a 3–1 victory over [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], when Madrid won their third consecutive and 13th overall Champions League title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0245-0e98d7318379-716954065574-1000--madrid-beat-liverpool-to-complete-hat-trick/|title=Madrid beat Liverpool to complete hat-trick|date=26 May 2018|publisher=UEFA|access-date=27 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527203029/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2018/matches/round=2000885/match=2021711/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2018–2021: Club talisman, third league title and the return of Zidane====
With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to [[Juventus]] in July 2018, Benzema became Real Madrid's new goal-getter – scoring 30 goals in all competitions in [[2018–19 Real Madrid CF season|2018–19]] as the club's top scorer for the campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A look at Benzema's staggering record since Ronaldo left Madrid|url=https://tribuna.com/en/news/realmadrid-2021-03-14-a-look-at-benzemas-staggering-record-since-ronaldo-left-madrid/|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Tribuna.com|date=14 March 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925022946/https://tribuna.com/en/news/realmadrid-2021-03-14-a-look-at-benzemas-staggering-record-since-ronaldo-left-madrid/|url-status=live}}</ref> His prominence in Real Madrid's squad significantly increased.<ref name=":0"/>

On 7 November 2018, Benzema scored a brace in the 5–0 win at [[Viktoria Plzeň]] in the [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League group stage|UEFA Champions League group stage]], reaching the 200th goal milestone with the club,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/benzema-scores-200th-real-madrid-goal-with-viktoria-plzen/1ps8h47w7bqs71n1c9t0li5d16|title=Benzema scores 200th Real Madrid goal with Viktoria Plzen strike|work=Goal (website)|date=7 November 2018|access-date=25 January 2019|archive-date=26 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000859/https://www.goal.com/en/news/benzema-scores-200th-real-madrid-goal-with-viktoria-plzen/1ps8h47w7bqs71n1c9t0li5d16|url-status=live}}</ref> becoming only the seventh Madrid player to achieve the feat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2018/11/07/football/1541628212_557267.html |title=Benzema reaches 200 Real Madrid goals |publisher=AS |date=7 November 2018 |access-date=25 January 2019 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420163913/https://en.as.com/en/2018/11/07/football/1541628212_557267.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> He scored three goals in six matches, all of them against Plzeň, helping Real Madrid topping [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League#Group G|Group G]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2019/standings/round=2000980/index.html#grp-2006097|title=Group G|publisher=UEFA|access-date=25 January 2019|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226212038/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2019/standings/round=2000980/index.html#grp-2006097|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later, on 13 February of the following year, in the first leg of the competition's [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|round of 16]], Benzema scored the opener of a 2–1 away win over [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/match/ajax-v-real-madrid/7rum3el4y3tkevzz59s9dapuy|title=Ajax 1 Real Madrid 2: Asensio strikes late after VAR controversy|work=Goal (website)|first=Joe|last=Wright|date=13 February 2019|access-date=25 January 2019|archive-date=19 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219175232/https://www.goal.com/en/match/ajax-v-real-madrid/7rum3el4y3tkevzz59s9dapuy|url-status=live}}</ref> reaching 60 Champions League goals, becoming only the fourth player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/benzema-reaches-champions-league-milestone-as-real-madrid/17cgv0b8ve0as1oix8ifju41uo|title=Benzema reaches Champions League milestone as Real Madrid squeeze past Ajax|work=Goal (website)|date=13 February 2019|access-date=25 January 2019|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328033107/https://www.goal.com/en/news/benzema-reaches-champions-league-milestone-as-real-madrid/17cgv0b8ve0as1oix8ifju41uo|url-status=live}}</ref>

Benzema scored Madrid's first competitive goal of the [[2019–20 Real Madrid CF season|2019–20 season]] on 17 August in the 3–1 away win over Celta Vigo in the opening [[La Liga]] match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/celta-vigo-vs-r-madrid/415636|title=Celta Vigo 1–3 Real Madrid: Gareth Bale inspires Zinedine Zidane's side to victory|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 August 2019|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110232823/https://www.skysports.com/football/celta-vigo-vs-r-madrid/415636|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, on 6 November, he scored a brace in Madrid's 6–0 crushing of [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]], achieving two new milestones: he became the second player after [[Lionel Messi]] to score in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons and also the third Madrid player to score 50 goals in the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://talksport.com/football/626498/real-madrid-karim-benzema-lionel-messi-champions-league/|title=GOAL GETTER Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema equals incredible Lionel Messi record of scoring in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons|publisher=talkSport|first=Daniel|last=Sandford|date=7 November 2019|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213131719/https://talksport.com/football/626498/real-madrid-karim-benzema-lionel-messi-champions-league/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Arch |last=Bell |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/cronica/2019/11/06/5dc3455f22601d75588b45ad.html |title=Rodrygo takes flight for Real Madrid |work=Marca |location=Spain |date=6 November 2019 |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109223706/https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/cronica/2019/11/06/5dc3455f22601d75588b45ad.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His performances were praised by manager [[Zinedine Zidane]], who called him a legend and also compared him with Cristiano Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Burton |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/benzema-is-like-ronaldo-for-real-madrid-zidane-hails-french/1a9jyhxgqlsh19f3h78lnhm5m |title='Benzema is like Ronaldo for Real Madrid' – Zidane hails French forward after 50th Champions League goal |work=Goal (website) |date=7 November 2019 |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109223703/https://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/benzema-is-like-ronaldo-for-real-madrid-zidane-hails-french/1a9jyhxgqlsh19f3h78lnhm5m |url-status=live }}</ref> Three days later, in the next league match, he scored a first-half brace in a 4–0 win at [[SD Eibar|Eibar]], overtaking [[Ferenc Puskás]] as the club's sixth all-time goalscorer in La Liga with 157 goals from 323 appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/la-liga/1196919/karim-benzema-passes-ferenc-puskas-on-all-time-real-madrid-laliga-list/|title=Karim Benzema passes Ferenc Puskas on all-time Real Madrid LaLiga list|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|date=9 November 2019|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109223703/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/la-liga/1196919/karim-benzema-passes-ferenc-puskas-on-all-time-real-madrid-laliga-list/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February 2020, Benzema extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/02/26/football/1582745588_563887.html |title=Benzema renews with Real Madrid to 2022 |publisher=AS |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-date=26 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426195118/https://en.as.com/en/2020/02/26/football/1582745588_563887.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 1 March, he made his 500th appearance for Real Madrid in a 2–0 home win over Barcelona in El Clásico, becoming the fourteenth player in the club's history to achieve this milestone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/03/01/football/1583082236_322148.html |title=Real Madrid: Karim Benzema reaches 500 game milestone |publisher=AS |date=1 March 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-date=18 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318100356/https://en.as.com/en/2020/03/01/football/1583082236_322148.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/1632750/real-madrid-2-0-fc-barcelona-beaten-at-the-bernabeu |title=Real Madrid 2–0 FC Barcelona: Beaten at the Bernabéu |publisher=FC Barcelona |last1=Roberts |first1=Mike |date=1 March 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 |archive-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303180522/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/1632750/real-madrid-2-0-fc-barcelona-beaten-at-the-bernabeu |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of the season, Real Madrid won the [[2019–20 La Liga]], while scoring over 20 goals.<ref name="Liga">{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2020/07/17/5f10db2146163f3c2c8b45d7.html|title=Real Madrid win the longest LaLiga Santander season|date=17 July 2020|access-date=17 July 2020|work=Marca|location=Spain|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718165201/https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2020/07/17/5f10db2146163f3c2c8b45d7.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Karim Benzema in 2020.jpg|thumb|Benzema getting interviewed after Real Madrid's first away game after the COVID-19 quarantine against [[Real Sociedad]]]]

When La Liga restarted after a three-month hiatus due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Spain|COVID-19 pandemic]], Benzema scored a brace against Valencia in Real Madrid's second game back at the [[Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium]] on 18 June – his first goals at Madrid's new temporary home ground.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Real Madrid-Valencia: 3–0: Real Madrid win to keep the pressure on in the LaLiga title race|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/06/18/3-0-real-madrid-win-to-keep-the-pressure-on-in-the-laliga-title-race|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021035611/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/06/18/3-0-real-madrid-win-to-keep-the-pressure-on-in-the-laliga-title-race|url-status=live}}</ref> Benzema's brace saw him surpass [[Ferenc Puskás]] as Real Madrid's fourth All-Time Top Scorer with 304 goals.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 June 2020|title=Benzema overtakes Puskas – only Cristiano, Raúl, Di Stefano and Santillana to go...|url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/06/19/soccer/1592552494_049702.html|access-date=25 September 2021|website=AS.com|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925022943/https://en.as.com/en/2020/06/19/soccer/1592552494_049702.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 16 July, Benzema's brace against Villarreal secured Real Madrid's 34th [[2019–20 La Liga|La Liga]] title, after a 2–1 win at the Di Stefano – their 10th consecutive league win after the lockdown.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Real Madrid-Villarreal: 2–1: LaLiga champions!|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/07/16/2-1-laliga-champions|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026163457/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/07/16/2-1-laliga-champions|url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 August, Benzema scored Madrid's only goal at the Etihad as they went crashing out of the Champions League to Manchester City (2–4 on aggregate) to end the campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Manchester City-Real Madrid: 2–1: Madrid bow out of Champions League|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/08/07/2-1-madrid-bow-out-of-champions-league|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125024536/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/08/07/2-1-madrid-bow-out-of-champions-league|url-status=live}}</ref> For the second consecutive season, Benzema finished as the club's top scorer with 27 goals in all competitions.

Benzema opened his goal account for [[2020–21 Real Madrid CF season|2020–21]] on 4 October, away to [[Levante UD|Levante]] in La Liga, netting his 250th goal for Real Madrid in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/10/04/benzema-nets-his-250th-real-madrid-goal|title=Benzema nets his 250th Real Madrid goal|publisher=Real Madrid CF|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=17 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017214245/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/10/04/benzema-nets-his-250th-real-madrid-goal|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/10/04/0-2-real-madrid-get-the-win-and-are-laliga-leaders|title=Levante 0–2 Real Madrid|publisher=Real Madrid CF|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101184620/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/10/04/0-2-real-madrid-get-the-win-and-are-laliga-leaders|url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 October, he scored an acrobatic over-the-head goal in a 2–2 draw against [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]] at [[Borussia-Park]] in the [[2020–21 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], to become the second player in history after Lionel Messi to score in 16 consecutive Champions League seasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/uefa-champions-league/karim-benzema-equals-incredible-lionel-messi-record/688207 |title=Benzema equals incredible Messi record |website=kickoff.com |date=28 October 2020 |access-date=28 October 2020 |archive-date=4 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104005906/https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/uefa-champions-league/karim-benzema-equals-incredible-lionel-messi-record/688207 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 December, he scored a brace in a 2–0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach to send Real Madrid to the Champions League knockout stages as group winners.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/dec/09/real-madrid-borussia-monchengladbach-champions-league-group-b-match-report |title=Karim Benzema heads Real Madrid into last 16 and beaten Gladbach join them |website=The Guardian |date=9 December 2020 |access-date=24 December 2020 |archive-date=17 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217150435/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/dec/09/real-madrid-borussia-monchengladbach-champions-league-group-b-match-report |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 April, Benzema scored a brace and assisted another in a 3–0 away win at [[Cádiz CF|Cádiz]], which meant he scored against all 35 teams he has played against in La Liga.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/04/21/benzema-has-found-the-net-against-all-35-teams-hes-faced-in-laliga |title=Benzema has found the net against all 35 teams he's faced in LaLiga |publisher=Real Madrid CF |date=21 April 2021 |access-date=4 May 2021 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507030928/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/04/21/benzema-has-found-the-net-against-all-35-teams-hes-faced-in-laliga |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2021–22: Vice-captaincy, fourth league title, UCL top scorer and Ballon d'Or====
With the departure of Sergio Ramos to PSG, Benzema was promoted as Real Madrid's [[vice-captain]] for the [[2021–22 Real Madrid CF season|2021–22]] season under Ancelotti.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 June 2021|title=Sergio Ramos leaves Real Madrid: who will take over as captain?|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/06/17/soccer/1623909627_373918.html|access-date=25 September 2021|website=AS.com|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925024448/https://en.as.com/en/2021/06/17/soccer/1623909627_373918.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 August, Benzema scored a brace against Alaves as Los Blancos kicked off the league season with a 1–4 away win to sit at the top of the table. Benzema's first half volley was the first official goal under Ancelotti in his second stint.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1–4: Off to a winning start in LaLiga|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/08/14/1-4-off-to-a-winning-start-in-laliga|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027053547/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/08/14/1-4-off-to-a-winning-start-in-laliga|url-status=live}}</ref> Six days later, Benzema signed a contract extension with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2023.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 August 2021|title=Benzema signs new deal until 2023|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/08/20/benzema-signs-new-deal-until-2023|access-date=20 August 2021|publisher=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820163641/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/08/20/benzema-signs-new-deal-until-2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

Benzema scored his first hat-trick in three seasons in a 5–2 win over [[Celta Vigo]] on 12 September as Madrid returned to the Bernabeu for the first time since March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Real Madrid teenage star Camavinga scores six minutes into debut|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ae/news/real-madrid-teenage-star-camavinga-scores-six-minutes-into/b7u5e7cs01551q4oj2l8bysiw|access-date=12 September 2021|work=Goal (website)|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912223304/https://www.goal.com/en-ae/news/real-madrid-teenage-star-camavinga-scores-six-minutes-into/b7u5e7cs01551q4oj2l8bysiw|url-status=live}}</ref> Wearing the armband, Benzema was the first Madrid captain to score a hat-trick since Raul in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|title=5–2: Big win and a Benzema hat-trick on the return to the Bernabéu|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/12/5-2-big-win-and-a-benzema-hat-trick-on-the-return-to-the-bernabeu|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027053627/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/12/5-2-big-win-and-a-benzema-hat-trick-on-the-return-to-the-bernabeu|url-status=live}}</ref> One week later, Benzema and Vini Jr would combine twice in the last few minutes against Valencia at the [[Mestalla Stadium|Mestalla]] to complete a comeback to earn Madrid their first win at the Mestalla in four seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1–2: Real Madrid comeback at Mestalla to move top|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/19/1-2-real-madrid-comeback-at-mestalla-to-move-top|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027053650/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/19/1-2-real-madrid-comeback-at-mestalla-to-move-top|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 September, Benzema scored a brace and provided another two assists in a 6–1 win over [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]] at the Bernabeu.<ref>{{Cite web|title=6–1: Asensio and Benzema send Madrid back to top of league|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/22/6-1-asensio-and-benzema-send-madrid-back-to-top-of-league|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027053659/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/22/6-1-asensio-and-benzema-send-madrid-back-to-top-of-league|url-status=live}}</ref> Benzema's brace allowed him to become only the fourth Madrid player in history to score 200 La Liga goals after Di Stefano, Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benzema scores 200th league goal|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/22/benzema-scores-200th-league-goal|access-date=25 September 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925022950/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/22/benzema-scores-200th-league-goal|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 September, Benzema became the first the player in history to score in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons after scoring his first penalty in the competition in a 1–2 home loss against [[FC Sheriff Tiraspol|Sheriff]] in the group stage.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1–2: Defeat at hands of Sheriff|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/28/1-2-defeat-at-hands-of-sheriff|access-date=20 November 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127025537/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/09/28/1-2-defeat-at-hands-of-sheriff|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 October, Benzema scored Madrid's 1000th Champions League goal at the Bernabéu against [[Shakhtar Donetsk]].<ref>{{Cite web|first=Ben|last=Morse|title=Real Madrid becomes first team to score 1,000 Champions League goals|date=3 November 2021|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/03/football/real-madrid-1000-champions-league-goals-spt-intl/index.html|access-date=20 November 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120190339/https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/03/football/real-madrid-1000-champions-league-goals-spt-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the process, Benzema scored his 291st and 292nd goals for the club, making him their fourth highest all-time top scorer, overtaking Santillana.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benzema becomes Real Madrids fourth-highest all-time goalscorer|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/10/19/benzema-becomes-real-madrids-fourth-highest-all-time-goalscorer|access-date=20 November 2021|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120190343/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/10/19/benzema-becomes-real-madrids-fourth-highest-all-time-goalscorer|url-status=live}}</ref> With his goal against [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] in La Liga on 28 November, he became the highest French goalscorer in club football matches, overtaking [[Thierry Henry]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benzema overtakes Henry as top French goalscorer in club football|url=https://tribuna.com/amp/en/news/realmadrid-2021-11-28-benzema-overtakes-henry-as-top-french-goalscorer-in-club-football/|access-date=29 November 2021|website=Tribuna|date=28 November 2021|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129013359/https://tribuna.com/amp/en/news/realmadrid-2021-11-28-benzema-overtakes-henry-as-top-french-goalscorer-in-club-football/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 January, Benzema scored his 300th goal for Madrid, converting a penalty in a 4–1 win at home in La Liga against Valencia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benzema adds to his legend: 300 goals for Real Madrid|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2022/01/08/61d9fbc8ca4741ba418b45ad.html|access-date=10 January 2022|website=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|date=8 January 2022|archive-date=5 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205193454/https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2022/01/08/61d9fbc8ca4741ba418b45ad.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Ofrenda de la Liga y la Champions-53-L.Millán (52108253672) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1|Left to right: [[Marcelo (footballer, born 1988)|Marcelo]],&nbsp;Benzema and&nbsp;[[Carlos Osoro Sierra]]&nbsp;with the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2022 at the [[Virgin of Almudena]]]]

On 9 March, he scored a hat-trick within 17 minutes in a remarkable comeback against [[Paris Saint-Germain]] in the [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Round of 16|Champions League round of 16]]. At the age of 34, Benzema became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League era.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Mark |date=9 March 2022 |title=Benzema's hat-trick breaks Champions League record in epic Real Madrid comeback |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/karim-benzema-champions-league-record-26430162 |access-date=9 March 2022 |work=Mirror |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329161300/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/karim-benzema-champions-league-record-26430162 |url-status=live }}</ref> With the three goals, Benzema brought his tally to 309, overtaking [[Alfredo Di Stéfano]] as Real Madrid's third-highest all-time goalscorer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benzema: commemorative jersey to mark him becoming Real Madrid's third all-time top scorer|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/03/09/benzema-becomes-real-madrids-third-all-time-top-scorer|access-date=9 March 2022|website=Real Madrid C.F.|archive-date=15 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315071431/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/03/09/benzema-becomes-real-madrids-third-all-time-top-scorer|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 March, Benzema scored a brace in a La Liga match against [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]] and broke Henry's record, becoming all-time top French goalscorer with 413 goals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Karim Benzema becomes all-time top French goalscorer after breaking Thierry Henry record|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/karim-benzema-thierry-henry-record-26467567|access-date=17 March 2022|website=Daily Mirror|date=14 March 2022|archive-date=8 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408092228/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/karim-benzema-thierry-henry-record-26467567|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 April, he scored another hat-trick in the Champions League in a 3–1 away win over [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] in the first leg of the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/06/chelsea-real-madrid-champions-league-quarter-final-first-leg-match-report |title=Karim Benzema hat-trick for Real Madrid puts Chelsea on brink of exit |website=The Guardian |date=6 April 2022 |access-date=25 April 2022 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413172522/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/06/chelsea-real-madrid-champions-league-quarter-final-first-leg-match-report |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema became only the second player (after Cristiano Ronaldo) to score back-to-back hat-tricks in successive Champions League knockout matches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |date=15 July 2022 |title=Champions League hat-tricks: All the records and stats |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0257-0e99f0d0d91b-eb0f4ba7a8f7-1000--champions-league-hat-tricks-all-the-records-and-stats/ |access-date=29 August 2022 |publisher=UEFA |language=en |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529192704/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0257-0e99f0d0d91b-eb0f4ba7a8f7-1000--champions-league-hat-tricks-all-the-records-and-stats/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One week later in the second leg at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium|Santiago Bernabéu]], Benzema scored a 96th minute header in extra time which proved pivotal, as Madrid lost to Chelsea 2–3 on the night but qualified for the semi-finals 5–4 on aggregate.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Holders Chelsea exit Champions League after epic |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61067661 |access-date=29 August 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226185140/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61067661 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 30 April 2022, he helped Real clinch their 35th Spanish title with a goal in a 4–0 win against [[Espanyol]] at the Bernabéu.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61284264 |title=Real Madrid 4–0 Espanyol |website=BBC Sport |date=30 April 2022 |access-date=9 June 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226183755/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61284264 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 May, he scored a decisive goal from the penalty spot in extra time in the second leg against Manchester City and helped Real Madrid reach their 17th European Cup final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-1511132895f4-1744cbc9329e-1000--real-madrid-3-1-manchester-city-agg-6-5-rodrygo-and-benzema-pul/ |title=Real Madrid 3–1 Manchester City (agg 6–5): Rodrygo and Benzema pull off remarkable comeback |publisher=UEFA |date=4 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606232816/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-1511132895f4-1744cbc9329e-1000--real-madrid-3-1-manchester-city-agg-6-5-rodrygo-and-benzema-pul/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of the [[2021–22 La Liga]] season, Benzema won his first [[Pichichi Trophy]] with 27 goals in 32 matches.<ref name="pichichi1">{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/05/22/benzema-crowned-pichichi-of-laliga-2021-22 |title=Benzema crowned Pichichi of LaLiga 2021–22 |publisher=Real Madrid C.F. |date=22 May 2022 |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727083058/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/05/22/benzema-crowned-pichichi-of-laliga-2021-22 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 May, he won his fifth Champions League title after a 1–0 win over Liverpool in the [[2022 UEFA Champions League final|final]], and finished the tournament as [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League#Top goalscorers|top scorer]] with 15 goals in total.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/026d-13405646aa7e-10d35549dfdf-1000--champions-league-top-scorers-karim-benzema-leads-the-way/ |title=Champions League top scorers: Karim Benzema takes the crown |publisher=UEFA |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=1 June 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226184108/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/026d-13405646aa7e-10d35549dfdf-1000--champions-league-top-scorers-karim-benzema-leads-the-way/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 May, Benzema was named the inaugural [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League#Player of the Season|Champions League player of the season]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Karim Benzema named Champions League player of the season |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61647080 |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226185321/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61647080 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 13 August, he was nominated for the [[2022 Ballon d'Or|Ballon d'Or]], widely considered a favourite to win it.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/karim-benzema-leads-ballon-d-or-nomination-lionel-messi-left-out-122081300358_1.html|title=Karim Benzema leads Ballon d'Or nomination, Lionel Messi left out|work=Business Standard|date=13 August 2022|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=7 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207040843/https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/karim-benzema-leads-ballon-d-or-nomination-lionel-messi-left-out-122081300358_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In recognition of his performances that season, Benzema was awarded the Ballon d'Or on 17 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-sacre-ballon-d-or-france-football-2022/1359907|title=Karim Benzema sacré Ballon d'Or France Football 2022|publisher=L'Équipe|access-date=17 October 2022|archive-date=26 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226184214/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-sacre-ballon-d-or-france-football-2022/1359907|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2022–23: Captaincy, all-time second top scorer and departure====
With the departure of [[Marcelo (footballer, born 1988)|Marcelo]], Benzema was promoted to captain as the most senior member of the squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/es-la-liga/2022/06/real-madrids-four-man-captain-list-revealed-marcelo-departure|title=Real Madrid's four-man captain list revealed after Marcelo departure|publisher=FootballTransfers|date=3 June 2022|access-date=24 February 2023|archive-date=16 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616150203/https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/es-la-liga/2022/06/real-madrids-four-man-captain-list-revealed-marcelo-departure|url-status=live}}</ref> By scoring in the [[2022 UEFA Super Cup]] against [[Eintracht Frankfurt]] on 10 August 2022, Benzema brought his tally to 324 goals, overtaking [[Raúl (footballer)|Raúl]] as Real Madrid's all-time second-highest goalscorer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62475679|title=Real Madrid 2–0 Eintracht Frankfurt|publisher=BBC|date=10 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022|archive-date=23 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823053316/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62475679|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 February 2023, Benzema scored a brace and grabbed an assist in a 5–2 comeback victory against Liverpool in the [[2022–23 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Liverpool v Real Madrid|Champions League last 16 first leg]]. He then scored the only goal in the return leg 3 weeks later. On 2 April 2023, Benzema scored a hat-trick in 6 minutes and 30 seconds in a 6–0 win over [[Real Valladolid]], to become the third fastest hat-trick scorer in his club's history in La Liga, only behind [[Pahiño]] who netted three goals in 4 minutes in 1950 and [[Fernando Hierro]] who scored them in 6 minutes in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/soccer/is-karim-benzemas-hat-trick-against-real-valladolid-the-fastest-in-laliga-and-real-madrid-history-n/ |title=Is Karim Benzema's hat-trick against Real Valladolid the fastest in LaLiga and Real Madrid history? |publisher=as.com |date=2 April 2023 |access-date=6 April 2023 |archive-date=2 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402223641/https://en.as.com/soccer/is-karim-benzemas-hat-trick-against-real-valladolid-the-fastest-in-laliga-and-real-madrid-history-n/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Just three days later, he scored a back-to-back hat-trick in a 4–0 away victory against Barcelona in the [[2022–23 Copa del Rey|Copa del Rey]] semi-finals, to become the second Real Madrid player to achieve this feat in [[El Clásico]] after [[Iván Zamorano]] in 1995 and the second Real Madrid player to score a hat-trick at the [[Camp Nou]] after [[Ferenc Puskás]] in 1963.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/real-madrids-karim-benzema-nets-camp-nou-hat-trick-vs-barcelona |title=Karim Benzema nets historic hat trick in Camp Nou rout of Barca |publisher=NBC Sports |date=6 April 2023 |access-date=6 April 2023 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406051047/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/real-madrids-karim-benzema-nets-camp-nou-hat-trick-vs-barcelona |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 May, Benzema was part of the team that won against [[Osasuna]] in the [[2023 Copa del Rey final|Copa del Rey final]], thus matching Marcelo's record as the club's most decorated player with 25 trophies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/05/07/benzema-25-real-madrid-trophies |title=Benzema: 25 Real Madrid trophies |publisher=Real Madrid C.F. |date=7 May 2023 |access-date=7 May 2023 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507102416/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/05/07/benzema-25-real-madrid-trophies |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 4 June, Real Madrid confirmed that Benzema would depart from the club following the conclusion of the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Statement: Benzema {{!}} Real Madrid CF |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/06/04/official-statement-benzema |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=Real Madrid CF |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604102445/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/06/04/official-statement-benzema |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=Emma |last=Smith |date=4 June 2023 |title=Karim Benzema: Five-time Champions League winner to leave Real Madrid after 14 years |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65803169 |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604153912/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65803169 |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema was given a rapturous reception by Madrid fans in his last game against Athletic Bilbao, in which he scored. Benzema was substituted for Luka Modric in the 74th minute, leaving the field to an ovation from the Madrid supporters.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 June 2023 |title=Real Madrid 1–1 Athletic Bilbao: Karim Benzema scores on final appearance for club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65805719 |access-date=5 June 2023 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605020740/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65805719 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Al-Ittihad===
On 6 June 2023, [[Saudi Professional League]] club [[Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah)|Al-Ittihad]] announced the signing of Benzema on a free transfer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2023 |title=Benzema joins Al Ittihad after Madrid departure |url=https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/37799190/karim-benzema-joins-al-ittihad-real-madrid-departure |access-date=6 June 2023 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=6 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606190100/https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/37799190/karim-benzema-joins-al-ittihad-real-madrid-departure |url-status=live }}</ref> His contract stipulates that he can receive up to $100 million USD a year up until 2026.<ref name=NYtimes/> Two days later, Al-Ittihad formally presented him as their new signing at an elaborate ceremony. This event, hosted at the [[King Abdullah Sports City]], was attended by a large number of fans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=National |first=The |date=9 June 2023 |title=Karim Benzema welcomed to Al Ittihad by thousands of fans and fireworks – in pictures |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/06/09/karim-benzema-welcomed-to-al-ittihad-by-thousands-of-fans-and-fireworks-in-pictures/ |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=The National |archive-date=9 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609094846/https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/06/09/karim-benzema-welcomed-to-al-ittihad-by-thousands-of-fans-and-fireworks-in-pictures/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored a goal and provided an assist on his debut on 27 July in a 2–1 victory over [[Espérance de Tunis]] during the [[2023 Arab Club Champions Cup|Arab Club Champions Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/football/1514030/karim-benzema-goal-al-ittihad-debut-real-madrid/ |title=Karim Benzema scores stunning debut goal for Al Ittihad and ex-Real Madrid teammates love it |publisher=talkSPORT |date=28 July 2023 |access-date=30 July 2023 |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730032215/https://talksport.com/football/1514030/karim-benzema-goal-al-ittihad-debut-real-madrid/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

====Club captaincy====
In August 2023, Benzema was made the club captain for Al-Ittihad. After his first season, Al-Ittihad finished in fifth place in the league with Benzema scoring 13 goals with 8 assists in 29 matches. The disappointing campaign led to a change in managerial position for the club, one of three changes in succession. Later on, he was reunited with his former French manager from 2010 to 2012, with [[Laurent Blanc]] being appointed manager before the 2024–25 season.<ref name=NYtimes>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6051964/2025/01/11/karim-benzema-in-saudi-arabia/|website=[[The New York Times]]|title=Karim Benzema's rollercoaster spell in Saudi Arabia: The highs, the lows and many managers|date=11 January 2025|first=Guillermo|last=Rai}}</ref>

For the [[2024–25 Al-Ittihad Club season]], Benzema clinched the league title on 15 May, scoring 21 goals in 28 games all the while contributing to 30 goals that season when the club won the league after achieving 77 points.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/al-ittihad-clinches-10th-saudi-pro-league-title-right-under-cristiano-ronaldos-nose-a-look-at-karim-benzemas-glittering-trophy-list/| website=worldsoccertalk.com| title=Al-Ittihad clinches 10th Saudi Pro League title right under Cristiano Ronaldo’s nose — A look at Karim Benzema’s glittering trophy list |date=16 May 2025 }}</ref> Not only did the team win the league title, Benzema captained Al-Ittihad to the domestic double, beating [[Al Qadsiah FC]] in the [[2024–25 King's Cup (Saudi Arabia)|2025 Saudi King's Cup Final]] in the [[King Abdullah Sports City]] in Jeddah. As well as the team trophies, Benzema won the individual award of player of the season in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/benzema-leads-al-ittihad-saudi-cup-win-domestic-double-2025-05-30/|website=reuters.com|title=Benzema leads Al-Ittihad to Saudi Cup win and domestic double|date=30 May 2025|first=Mohamed|last=Yossry}}</ref>

==International career==
===Youth===
Benzema is a former [[France national youth football team|France youth international]] having earned caps at all levels for which he was eligible, excluding the [[France national under-16 football team|under-16 team]]. He is a member of the group, commonly known in France as the ''Génération 1987'', a youth class that produced current internationals [[Hatem Ben Arfa]], [[Jérémy Ménez]] and [[Samir Nasri]], alongside himself.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.football.fr/footballfr/cmc/cm-2010/201019/generation-1987-le-disque-raye_85838.html |title=Génération 1987, le disque rayé |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=Football.fr |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803182525/http://www.football.fr/footballfr/cmc/cm-2010/201019/generation-1987-le-disque-raye_85838.html |archive-date=3 August 2012}}</ref> Benzema was the last of the four to make his youth international debut under coach [[Philippe Bergeroo]] and officially joined the team ahead of the [[2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship]] that was played on home soil. In the competition, he appeared in two matches. On his tournament debut, Benzema scored the opening goal in a 3–1 win over [[Northern Ireland national under-17 football team|Northern Ireland]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2004/round=1658/match=75060/index.html |title=France lifted by late goals |date=9 May 2004 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831172349/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season%3D2004/round%3D1658/match%3D75060/index.html |archive-date=31 August 2010 }}</ref> His lone other appearance in the competition was in a 1–0 group stage win over [[Spain national under-17 football team|Spain]] as France went on to win the tournament defeated the same team in the final.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2004/round=1658/match=75062/index.html |title=Spain suffer Mario setback |date=6 May 2004 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115234030/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2004/round=1658/match=75062/index.html |archive-date=15 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2004/round=1661/match=75439/index.html |title=Châteauroux celebrates French win |date=15 May 2004 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116000441/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season%3D2004/round%3D1661/match%3D75439/index.html |archive-date=16 November 2013 }}</ref>

Benzema was a regular starter in the team at [[France national under-18 football team|under-18]] level. He made his debut with the team at a local tournament in the [[Czech Republic]]. Benzema scored his first goal at under-18 level in the competition against [[Poland national under-18 football team|Poland]] in the team's final group stage match.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/262974.shtml |title=La France bat la Pologne et accède à la finale (1–0) |date=27 August 2004 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=12 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312024855/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/262974.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> In the final against [[Czech Republic national under-18 football team|the hosts]], he scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win as France were declared champions of the competition.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/196188.shtml |title=La France victorieuse en République Tchèque (2–0) |date=28 August 2004 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=21 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721204248/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/196188.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On 30 September 2004, Benzema was one of three goalscorers in France's 3–0 away win over Norway.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/200924.shtml |title=La France bat la Norvège 3–0 |date=30 September 2004 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825112028/http://www.fff.fr///selections/m18ans/200924.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> In the team's next match against Russia, he scored a double in a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/205004.shtml |title=La France remporte la première manche (3–1) face à la Russie |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819125453/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/205004.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to France winning the 2004 U17 European title, the under-18 team was allowed participation in the [[2005 UEFA–CAF Meridian Cup|2005 Meridian Cup]]. Benzema was called up to the team for the competition and played in all four matches, scoring a tournament-high five goals as France were crowned champions of the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/meridian/news/kind=1/newsid=798075.html |title=2005: Europe extend Meridian domination |date=1 January 2009 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721123909/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/meridian/news/kind=1/newsid=798075.html |archive-date=21 July 2010}}</ref> He opened the tournament by scoring two goals in a 7–0 victory over [[Cameroon national under-17 football team|Cameroon]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/220492.shtml |title=La France s'impose face au Cameroun (7–0) |date=4 February 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819130015/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/220492.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> After going scoreless in the team's next match against [[Sierra Leone national under-17 football team|Sierra Leone]], Benzema responded by scoring a goal in a shutout victory over [[Nigeria national under-17 football team|Nigeria]] and netting another double in a 4–1 win against [[Egypt national under-17 football team|Egypt]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/220996.shtml |title=La France bat le Nigeria (2–0) |date=8 February 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819125501/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/220996.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/221744.shtml |title=La France domine l'Egypte (4–1) |date=11 February 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819130103/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/221744.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On 19 May 2005, in the team's final match of the season against [[Slovakia national under-18 football team|Slovakia]], Benzema scored all four goals in a 4–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/239081.shtml |title=La France dominatrice face à la Slovaquie (4–1) |date=19 May 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825111639/http://www.fff.fr///selections/m18ans/239081.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished the under-18 campaign with 18 appearances and a team-high 14 goals and was, subsequently, praised by Bergeroo who, following the campaign, declared that Benzema was "quite efficient".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m18ans/239226.shtml |title=Philippe Bergeroo: "Un groupe toujours aussi motivé" |date=20 May 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825111645/http://www.fff.fr///selections/m18ans/239226.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

The foursome of Benzema, Ben Arfa, Ménez and Nasri returned to international play together for [[France national under-19 football team|under-19]] duty. The four were joined by [[Issiar Dia]], [[Blaise Matuidi]] and [[Serge Gakpé]] with the objective of winning the [[2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship]]. The team opened the campaign with two friendly matches against [[Norway national under-19 football team|Norway]]. Over the course of the two matches, Benzema scored one goal, which came in the first match, a 4–0 win.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/262974.shtml |title=Première manche réussie face à la Norvège (4–0) |date=5 October 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=12 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312024855/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/262974.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> In the first round of qualification for the UEFA-sanctioned tournament, he scored his only goal in the final group match against [[Austria national under-19 football team|Austria]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/264062.shtml |title=Troisième succès, face à l'Autriche (2–0) |date=28 October 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=10 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010061927/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/264062.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> France won the match 2–0, which resulted in the team progressing to the Elite Round.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/history/season=2006/round=2152/match=80906/index.html |title=Austria 0–2 France |date=28 October 2005 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115234926/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/history/season%3D2006/round%3D2152/match%3D80906/index.html |archive-date=15 November 2013 }}</ref> In the ensuing round, France were placed in a relatively easy group alongside [[Scotland national under-19 football team|Scotland]], [[Bulgaria national under-19 football team|Bulgaria]], and [[Belarus national under-19 football team|Belarus]]. In the opening group game against Bulgaria, Benzema scored a double converting a penalty and scoring in play as France won 4–0.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/history/season=2006/round=2225/match=82137/index.html |title=Bulgaria feel Les Bleus power |date=20 May 2006 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116004707/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/history/season=2006/round=2225/match=82137/index.html |archive-date=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Both of his goals were scored within a minute of each other.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/304525.shtml |title=La France bat la Bulgarie (4–0) |date=16 May 2006 |access-date=6 May 2012 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=21 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721201146/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/304525.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> After surprisingly drawing 0–0 with Belarus, France faced Scotland in the final group stage match. Benzema opened the scoring in the 11th minute, but his goal was cancelled out by [[Steven Fletcher (footballer)|Steven Fletcher]] in the second half.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/305419.shtml |title=La France tenue en échec (1–1) |date=20 May 2006 |access-date=6 May 2012 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |language=fr |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819145524/http://www.fff.fr/selections/m19ans/305419.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> The match ultimately finished 1–1 and, despite finishing the round undefeated, France were eliminated after being beaten on points by the ''Scots''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/history/season=2006/round=2225/match=82141/index.html |title=Fletcher sends Scotland soaring |date=20 May 2006 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116003742/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/history/season=2006/round=2225/match=82141/index.html |archive-date=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Benzema made his [[France national under-21 football team|under-21]] debut for ''Les Espoirs'' under coach [[René Girard (footballer)|René Girard]] in the team's first match following the [[2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship]] against [[Belgium national under-21 football team|Belgium]]. He started the match and was replaced at half-time by [[Yoann Gourcuff]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/selections/espoirs/actualite/316841.shtml |title=La Belgique s'impose 1–0 |date=15 August 2006 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=20 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720220312/http://www.fff.fr/selections/espoirs/actualite/316841.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> He featured in [[2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification|qualification matches]] for the [[2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship]] and appeared as a starter and substitute in the first leg and second leg, respectively, of the team's surprising defeat to Israel in the qualifying playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/history/season=2007/round=2239/match=84936/index.html |title=Sahar sets Israel up nicely |date=7 October 2006 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116004520/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/history/season%3D2007/round%3D2239/match%3D84936/index.html |archive-date=16 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/history/season=2007/round=2239/match=84937/index.html |title=Israeli joy after historic win |date=11 October 2006 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116005616/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/history/season%3D2007/round%3D2239/match%3D84937/index.html |archive-date=16 November 2013 }}</ref> Despite still being eligible to represent the under-21 team until 2009, his appearance in the second leg defeat to Israel was Benzema's last with the team and he finished his under-21 career with five appearances and no goals. Prior to representing France at senior international level, Benzema was courted by the [[Algerian Football Federation]] (FAF) who sought for the player to represent [[Algeria national football team|Algeria]] at senior international level. In December 2006, the striker was approached by former federation president Hamid Haddadj and then-national team coach [[Jean-Michel Cavalli]], but turned down the invitation citing his desire to continue his international career with France.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/57077 |title=Benzema dit non à l'Algérie |date=12 December 2006 |work=DjaZairess |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404161835/https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/57077 |url-status=live }}</ref> Benzema later told French [[radio station]] ''[[Radio Monte Carlo]]'' "Algeria is my parents' country and it is in my heart, but football-wise, I will only play for the French national team".<ref>{{cite news |last=Picard |first=Laurent |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2397952/benzema-commits-to-france |title=Benzema commits to France |date=11 December 2006 |work=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205947/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2397952/benzema-commits-to-france |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Senior===
====Euro 2008====
[[File:KBenzema.jpg|thumb|upright|Benzema playing for France in 2008]]

Benzema was called up for the first time to the senior national team by [[Raymond Domenech]] on 9 November 2006 for the team's friendly match against [[Greece national football team|Greece]] that would be played on 15 November. Benzema described the call-up as "a reward", while also stating "I am pleased, of course, me and my family. A (the senior national team), is the national team's highest honor".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/bleus/actu/337825_une-recompense |title=Une récompense |date=9 November 2006 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518183135/https://www.fff.fr/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two days before the match, he was forced to withdraw from the team due to a thigh injury, which he suffered while playing domestically for Lyon.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/bleus/actu/338821_benzema-et-govou-forfaits |title=Benzema et Govou forfaits |date=13 November 2006 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217123504/https://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After failing to make the squad for the team's February 2007 match against [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]], Benzema returned to the team in March for a [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying]] match against [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]] and a friendly against [[Austria national football team|Austria]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=414682&cc=5901 |title=Newcomers Diaby, Diarra earn France call-up |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=15 March 2007 |access-date=3 April 2011 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024144858/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=414682&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After failing to appear in the qualifier, he made his international debut on 28 March 2007 against Austria. Benzema appeared as a half-time substitute for [[Djibril Cissé]] and scored the only goal of the match after a free-kick from Samir Nasri.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debutant Benzema gives France win over Austria |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKL2817446120070328?feedType=RSS |work=Reuters |date=28 March 2007 |access-date=27 August 2009 |author=Vignal, Patrick |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518182703/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKL2817446120070328?edition-redirect=uk |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 13 October, Benzema scored a double in a 6–0 win against the [[Faroe Islands national football team|Faroe Islands]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=2241/match=83995/index.html |title=Henry celebrates in France romp |date=13 October 2007 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116005425/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=2241/match=83995/index.html |archive-date=16 November 2013}}</ref> After appearing regularly in the team for the rest of the 2007–08 season, he was named to the 23-man squad to participate in [[UEFA Euro 2008]].

Benzema made his debut in the competition on 9 June 2008 in the team's opening match against [[Romania national football team|Romania]]. Benzema started the match, but was substituted out for Nasri in the second half after a frustrating performance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Romania 0–0 France |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363325.stm |publisher=BBC |date=11 June 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |first=Chris |last=Whyatt |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308021647/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363325.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The match finished 0–0 and Benzema was, subsequently, criticized by the French media for his performance with newspaper ''[[Le Point]]'' declaring that Benzema was "unrecognizable" and that he "symbolized the impotence of France in the attack".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-sport/2008-06-10/l-impuissance-de-benzema/921/0/251859 |title=L'impuissance de Benzema |date=10 June 2008 |work=[[Le Point]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117005841/http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-sport/2008-06-10/l-impuissance-de-benzema/921/0/251859 |archive-date=17 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The newspaper also cited his lack of international experience for his subdued performance. In the team's next group game against the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]], Benzema played no part in the 4–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netherlands 4–1 France: Dutch master class |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232269&cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN |date=13 June 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020074419/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232269&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He returned to the team in its final group game against [[Italy national football team|Italy]] and was given a place in the starting lineup.<ref>{{cite news |title=Italy expose French frailties |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2303492/Euro-2008-Italy-expose-French-frailties.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2303492/Euro-2008-Italy-expose-French-frailties.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Telegraph |author=Winter, Henry|date=18 June 2008 |access-date=25 June 2009 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> However, France lost 2–0 and were eliminated from the competition.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15093/match=300703/index.html |title=France sunk as Italy grab lifeline |date=17 June 2008 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116004203/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/history/season=2008/round=15093/match=300703/index.html |archive-date=16 November 2013}}</ref>

In November 2008, Benzema, among several other young players in the team, was accused of being insolent during the team's campaign at the European Championship. The accusation came from international teammate [[William Gallas]] who inserted the charge in his autobiography. Though most of Gallas' accusations were directed at Nasri,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/outspoken-gallas-loses-captaincy-1029711.html |title=Outspoken Gallas loses captaincy |date=22 November 2008 |work=The Independent |access-date=19 March 2011 |first=Jason |last=Burt |archive-date=18 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518142104/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/outspoken-gallas-loses-captaincy-1029711.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-s-Samir-Nasri-reopens-his-feud-with-William-Gallas-article628345.html|title=Nasri hits back at Gallas "rubbish"|date=13 November 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=8 April 2011|archive-date=2 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302162008/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-s-Samir-Nasri-reopens-his-feud-with-William-Gallas-article628345.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/steve-stammers/Samir-Nasri-s-brilliance-is-spoiled-by-his-petulance-at-spurning-handshake-with-Tottenham-s-William-Gallas-before-North-London-derby-Steve-Stammers-column-article634963.html|title=Why Nasri's brilliance is spoiled by his petulance|date=24 November 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=19 April 2011|archive-date=2 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302161533/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/steve-stammers/Samir-Nasri-s-brilliance-is-spoiled-by-his-petulance-at-spurning-handshake-with-Tottenham-s-William-Gallas-before-North-London-derby-Steve-Stammers-column-article634963.html|url-status=live}}</ref> during the competition, it was reported by newspaper ''[[Le Parisien]]'' that several of the national team players described Benzema as "arrogant" and that the striker was scolded by [[midfielder]] [[Claude Makélélé]] following the team's loss to the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/euro-2008/2008/un-malaise-benzema_sto1606114/story.shtml |title=Un malaise Benzema? |date=16 June 2008 |work=[[Eurosport]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622033122/https://www.eurosport.fr/football/euro-2008/2008/un-malaise-benzema_sto1606114/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2010 World Cup omission====
Despite the reports from after Euro 2008, Benzema remained a regular in the team and, ahead of [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification|qualification]] for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], switched to the number ten shirt after previously wearing the number nine.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lyoncapitale.fr/Journal/univers/Sport/Football/Bleus-Benzema-pique-le-neme10-a-Govou/%28language%29/fre-FR |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903125114/http://www.lyoncapitale.fr/Journal/univers/Sport/Football/Bleus-Benzema-pique-le-neme10-a-Govou/(language)/fre-FR |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2012 |title=Benzema pique le nème10 à Govou |date=9 October 2008 |work=Lyon Capitale |access-date=7 May 2012 |language=fr }}</ref> In the team's first match following its elimination from Euro 2008, Benzema scored a goal in a 3–2 friendly win over [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]] in [[Gothenburg]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/servfff/fiche_joueur_new/match.php?id_match=1244 |title=Sweden v. France Match Report |date=20 August 2008 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=5 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005163611/http://www.fff.fr/servfff/fiche_joueur_new/match.php?id_match=1244 |url-status=live }}</ref> Two months later, he scored another goal in a 3–1 victory against [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]] at the [[Stade de France]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/servfff/fiche_joueur_new/match.php?id_match=1248 |title=France v. Tunisia Match Report |date=14 October 2008 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020205652/http://www.fff.fr/servfff/fiche_joueur_new/match.php?id_match=1248 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 June 2009, Benzema converted the only goal of the match, a penalty shot, in a 1–0 win over [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]] at the [[Stade de Gerland]], his home stadium.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fff.fr/servfff/fiche_joueur_new/match.php?id_match=1254 |title=France v. Turkey Match Report |date=5 June 2009 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=18 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018020615/http://www.fff.fr/servfff/fiche_joueur_new/match.php?id_match=1254 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his first World Cup qualification goals in victories over the Faroe Islands and Austria in October 2009. His cap against Austria would be his last of the Domenech era as he failed to make France's preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup. Domenech cited Benzema's struggle for form with his new club Real Madrid, rather than his alleged involvement in a sex scandal as his reason for leaving the striker out.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/benzema-left-out-of-france-s-world-cup-squad-1.897927|title=Benzema left out of France's World Cup squad|first=Samuel|last=Petrequin|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=11 May 2010|access-date=12 April 2022|archive-date=12 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412230721/https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.897927|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the list being unveiled, Benzema informed ''Radio Monte Carlo'' that if he was not selected he would be "very disappointed, but not killed" and "I will support the France team no matter what".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rmcsport.fr/editorial/110654/benzema-decu-mais-pas-abattu-si-je-n-y-suis-pas/ |title=Benzema: "Déçu mais pas abattu si je n'y suis pas" |date=11 May 2010 |work=[[Radio Monte Carlo]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205032611/https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Euro 2012====
[[File:Karim Benzema Euro 2012 vs Sweden 01.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Benzema playing for France at [[UEFA Euro 2012]]]]

Following the World Cup, Benzema returned to the national team under the reign of new coach [[Laurent Blanc]]. Blanc, an admirer of Benzema, sought to build the attack around the striker and, after going almost a year without representing France, Benzema made his return to the team in its 2–1 defeat to [[Norway national football team|Norway]] in [[Oslo]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Laurent Blanc: Benzema is 'not used to working' |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=828433&sec=euro2012&cc=5901 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=30 September 2010 |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=3 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003135426/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=828433&sec=euro2012&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Norway sink France thanks to Huseklepp double |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE67B04520100812 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814180404/http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE67B04520100812 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 August 2010 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=12 August 2010 |access-date=13 December 2011}}</ref> Alongside Gourcuff, Benzema led the team in scoring in [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group D|qualifying]] for [[UEFA Euro 2012]], netting three. He scored his three goals in wins over [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Luxembourg national football team|Luxembourg]], and [[Albania national football team|Albania]].<ref>{{cite news |title=France and Blanc up and running in Sarajevo |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7c9d258b36-865e9b14ca60-1000--france-and-blanc-up-and-running-in-sarajevo/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=7 September 2010 |access-date=13 December 2011 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116220128/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002090/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema and Gourcuff keep France flying |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7ca5133ab1-de145a27110d-1000--benzema-and-gourcuff-keep-france-flying/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=12 October 2010 |access-date=13 December 2011 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116220120/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002084/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=France squeeze past Albania to stay top |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7d36960358-2c3301e386d5-1000--france-squeeze-past-albania-to-stay-top/ |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=13 December 2011 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116215753/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002100/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 November 2010, Benzema scored the opening goal in France's 2–1 win over [[England national football team|England]] at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news |title=France too good for England in Wembley friendly |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/17112010/2/france-good-england-wembley-friendly.html |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |date=17 November 2010 |access-date=13 December 2011 |archive-date=26 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826175251/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/17112010/2/france-good-england-wembley-friendly.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the team's next match against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] in February 2011, he scored the only goal for France in a 1–0 win.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/international-friendlies/8315057/France-1-Brazil-0-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/international-friendlies/8315057/France-1-Brazil-0-match-report.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=France 1 Brazil 0: match report |date=9 February 2011 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After appearing regularly in qualifying for Euro 2012, on 29 May 2012, Benzema was named to the squad to participate in the competition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/yoann-gourcuff-omitted-as-france-announce-euro-2012-squad-7800136.html|title=Yoann Gourcuff omitted as France announce Euro 2012 squad|date=29 May 2012|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=3 June 2012|archive-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918020938/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/yoann-gourcuff-omitted-as-france-announce-euro-2012-squad-7800136.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 June, in the team's final warm-up friendly ahead of the European Championship, Benzema scored two goals in a 4–0 shutout win over [[Estonia national football team|Estonia]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/sns-rt-uk-soccer-friendly-francebre854193-20120605,0,7372040.story|title=Benzema, Ribery shine as France thrashed Estonia|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=5 June 2012|access-date=5 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102044447/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-06-05/sports/sns-rt-uk-soccer-friendly-francebre854193-20120605_1_estonia-karim-benzema-laurent-blanc|archive-date=2 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> At Euro 2012, Benzema started the team's opening match against England, which ended in a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18076341|title=France 1 England 1|date=11 June 2012|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 June 2012|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125212506/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18076341|url-status=live}}</ref> In the team's ensuing group stage match against Ukraine, he assisted both the goals in a 2–0 win.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/16/sports/soccer/euro-2012-after-rain-delay-france-shuts-out-ukraine.html|title=After Rain Delay, France Shuts Out Ukraine|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 June 2012|access-date=17 June 2012|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217152916/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/16/sports/soccer/euro-2012-after-rain-delay-france-shuts-out-ukraine.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2014 World Cup====
On 11 October 2013, Benzema scored his first goal for the France national team since June 2012 in a friendly against [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]], thus ending a scoring drought for his national team which had lasted 1,222 minutes. In that match played at the [[Parc des Princes]] in [[Paris]], which France won 6–0, Benzema scored France's sixth and final goal in the 50th minute after turning home [[Franck Ribéry]]'s left-wing cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/124721/france-vs-australia/report?|title=France 6–0 Australia: Benzema breaks goal drought in friendly drubbing|date=11 October 2013|work=Goal (website) |access-date=22 November 2013|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721162529/http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/124721/france-vs-australia/report|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the second leg of the [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA second round|2014 World Cup qualification play-off]] against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] held on 19 November 2013 at the Stade de France, Benzema scored France's second goal in the 34th minute to level the aggregate score at 2–2. Benzema scored his goal when he side-footed home after a huge scramble in the Ukrainian penalty box, although he was shown on television replays to be offside by almost one metre when the ball took a final touch off [[Mathieu Valbuena]]'s chest. Benzema had four minutes earlier been denied a legitimate goal, the offside flag wrongly raised when he turned in Ribéry's low cross into the net with his torso a metre from the Ukrainian goal-line. Ukraine had won the first leg of the play-off 2–0 in [[Kyiv]] just four days earlier. France would eventually win the second leg 3–0 to advance to the 2014 World Cup finals in [[Brazil]] with a 3–2 aggregate scoreline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/304251/report|title=World Cup Qualifiers: France revival sinks Ukraine 3–0|date=20 November 2013|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=22 November 2013|archive-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829171537/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/304251/report|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 6 June 2014, Benzema was named in France's squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]], making his debut in the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/france/10810384/France-World-Cup-2014-squad.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/france/10810384/France-World-Cup-2014-squad.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=France World Cup 2014 squad|date=6 June 2014|access-date=16 June 2014|work=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the team's first match, a 3–0 win against [[Honduras national football team|Honduras]] in [[Porto Alegre]] on 15 June, he scored a goal in each half, the first from a [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty kick]]. He also took part in the team's second goal, when his shot rebounded off the post and was fumbled over the goal-line by Honduran goalkeeper [[Noel Valladares]] for an own goal, the first World Cup goal given by [[goal-line technology]].<ref>{{cite news|title=France 3–0 Honduras|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285092|access-date=15 June 2014|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=15 June 2014|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117112610/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285092|url-status=live}}</ref> He was named by [[FIFA]] as man of the match for his performance.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186496/statistics.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618063334/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186496/statistics.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 June 2014 |title=France 3–0 Honduras|date=16 June 2014|access-date=16 June 2014 |publisher=FIFA}}</ref> In the second group fixture, he scored and had a penalty saved in a 5–2 defeat of [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]], as ''Les Bleus'' all but secured qualification to the [[2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage|knockout stage]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285207 |title=Switzerland 2–5 France|date=20 June 2014|access-date=21 June 2014|publisher=BBC}}</ref> France were later knocked out by eventual winners [[Germany national football team|Germany]] in the quarter-final stage of the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/04/france-germany-world-cup-2014-quarter-final-match-report |title=Germany reach World Cup semi-finals as Mats Hummels header sinks France |date=4 July 2014 |access-date=18 February 2015 |work=The Guardian |last=Hytner |first=David}}</ref>

====2016–2020 exclusion====
After last featuring for France in a 4–0 win against [[Armenia national football team|Armenia]] on 8 October 2015, French Football Federation announced on 13 April 2016 that Benzema would not be picked for [[Euro 2016]] tournament on home soil.<ref name="BenzemaAxed">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/04/13/karim-benzema-axed-from-france-euro-2016-squad/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/04/13/karim-benzema-axed-from-france-euro-2016-squad/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Karim Benzema axed from France Euro 2016 squad|agency=Press Association|work=The Telegraph|date=13 April 2016|access-date=13 April 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This happened after a blackmailing affair involving fellow French team player [[Mathieu Valbuena]] (see [[Karim Benzema#Controversies and legal issues|§Controversies and legal issues]]). He responded on 1 June 2016 in ''Marca'', in an interview entitled 'Benzema: "[[Didier Deschamps|Deschamps]] folded due to pressure from [[Racism in France|France's racist element]]"'.<ref>[http://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2016/06/01/574dfc86e2704e5c1d8b463c.html marca.com: 'Benzema: "Deschamps se pliega a la presión de una parte racista de Francia"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202195036/http://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2016/06/01/574dfc86e2704e5c1d8b463c.html |date=2 December 2016}}, 1 June 2016</ref>

Benzema was also left off the roster for the [[2018 World Cup]] in Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://the18.com/soccer-news/karim-benzema-france-world-cup-squad|title=France's World Cup Squad Is Missing An X Factor, Or Is It A K Factor?|last=Guzman|first=Jose|date=18 May 2018|website=The18}}</ref> Directing his frustration at FFF president [[Noël Le Graët]], Benzema later tweeted: "Mr Le Graët, with all due respect, you've lost an opportunity to remain silent. I've discovered your true face, and this isn't the one that said he appreciated me and wouldn't discuss the subject of team selections!"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.as.com/en/2018/05/31/football/1527758335_120289.html|title=Benzema hits back after FFF president backs World Cup omission|last=AS|first=Diario|date=31 May 2018|website=AS.com|access-date=15 September 2019}}</ref>

In November 2019, Benzema replied to Le Graët's comments that his career with France was over, by saying: "If you think I'm done, let me play with one of the other countries I am eligible for and we'll see".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2019/11/16/5dd05926268e3eeb4d8b45ff.html|title=Benzema would have to lose French nationality to play for Algeria|website=Marca|location=Spain|date=16 November 2019}}</ref>

====Return to the squad, Nations League victory and retirement====
On 18 May 2021, following speculation from the media, Benzema was officially included in France's [[UEFA Euro 2020 squads#France|26-man squad]] for [[UEFA Euro 2020]], his first call-up to the national team in over five years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Orsini |first=Vincent |url=https://www.fff.fr/article/2859-la-liste-des-vingt-six-pour-l-uefa-euro-2020.html |title=La liste des vingt-six pour l'UEFA Euro 2020 |trans-title=The list of 26 for UEFA Euro 2020 |work=[[French Football Federation]] |date=18 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |language=fr}}</ref> He made his first appearance since his return on 2 June, in a 3–0 home win over [[Wales national football team|Wales]], in a friendly warm-up match before the final tournament, during which he missed a penalty, but was later also involved in the final goal scored by [[Antoine Griezmann]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/601637https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/601637 |title=France's Karim Benzema misses penalty, Kylian Mbappe scores in win over Wales |publisher=ESPN |date=2 June 2021 |access-date=4 June 2021 }}</ref> On 23 June 2021, he scored a brace in a 2–2 draw against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]], to be his first goals in the [[UEFA European Championship|European Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/portugal-france-result-score-ronaldo-benzema-b1871669.html |title=Cristiano Ronaldo steers Portugal into last 16 as Karim Benzema seals top spot for France |website=Independent |date=23 June 2021 }}</ref> He subsequently scored another brace in France's round-of-16 match against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]], where France were knocked out of the tournament on penalties after a 3–3 draw.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Switzerland beat France on penalties|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51198549|access-date=28 June 2021}}</ref> With four goals in as many games, Benzema won the Euro 2020 bronze boot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Scorer |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/top-scorer/|access-date=12 October 2021|publisher=UEFA}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In the [[2021 UEFA Nations League Finals|2021 UEFA Nations League]] semi-final on 7 October, Benzema scored France's first goal in the second half as they came from behind to defeat [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]] 3–2.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/oct/07/belgium-france-nations-league-semi-final-match-report |title=Theo Hernandez caps France's fightback to stun Belgium in semi-final thriller |work=The Guardian |date=7 October 2021 |access-date=10 October 2021 }}</ref> He overtook Zidane in the France scoring records as he scored his 32nd goal for Le Blues to become the 6th top scorer in their history.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 October 2021|title=Karim Benzema overtakes Zinédine Zidane in the scorers' standings|url=https://news.in-24.com/news/201177.html|access-date=12 October 2021|website=News in 24 english|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029055918/https://news.in-24.com/news/201177.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the [[2021 UEFA Nations League Final|Final]] three days later, he scored the temporary equaliser as France went on to clinch the title for the first time with a 2–1 victory over [[Spain national football team|Spain]];<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=589985 |title=Spain vs. France – Football Match Report |publisher=ESPN |date=10 October 2021 |access-date=10 October 2021 }}</ref> he was named "Player of the Match" by UEFA for his performance in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2030761--spain-vs-france/ |title=Spain-France UEFA Nations League |publisher=UEFA |date=10 October 2021 |access-date=10 October 2021 }}</ref> With two goals, he was the joint–top scorer of the Nations League Finals, along with Spain's [[Ferran Torres]] and teammate [[Kylian Mbappé]], who won the top scorer trophy due to having also provided two assists – Benzema won the bronze boot due to playing more minutes than Torres.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/026e-137297f2e715-0d7aed764ef3-1000/ |title=UEFA Nations League finals top scorer: Kylian Mbappé |publisher=UEFA |date=10 October 2021 |access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref> The Nations League was Benzema's first trophy with France's senior team and his 27th of his career, making him the most decorated Frenchman in football history.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benzema becomes most decorated French player in history after Nations League win|url=https://tribuna.com/en/news/realmadrid-2021-10-11-benzema-becomes-most-decorated-french-player-in-history-after-nations-league-win/|access-date=12 October 2021|website=Tribuna.com|date=11 October 2021 }}</ref>

On 13 November 2021, Benzema scored his first goals in the [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2022 World Cup qualifiers]] with a brace in an 8–0 win over Kazakhstan as France booked their place for Qatar 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 November 2021|title=France 8–0 Kazakhstan: Kylian Mbappe scores four times for world champions to book Qatar place|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/world-cup-qualification-uefa/2022/world-cup-qualifying-live-france-v-kazakhstan_sto8621561/story.shtml|access-date=20 November 2021|website=Eurosport}}</ref> His brace saw him over-take [[David Trezeguet]] to become Les Bleus' fifth all-time top scorer with 35 goals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benzema "proud" to have overtaken Trezeguet in number of goals|url=https://yrtnews.com/benzema-proud-to-have-overtaken-trezeguet-in-number-of-goals|date=20 November 2021|access-date=20 November 2021|website=yrtnews.com}}</ref> Although he was included in France's final squad for the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]], on 19 November, the French Football Federation stated that Benzema would be forced to miss the tournament due to a thigh injury.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karim Benzema forfait pour la Coupe du Monde |url=https://www.fff.fr/article/8581-karim-benzema-forfait-pour-la-coupe-du-monde.html |access-date=19 November 2022 |website=fff.fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Karim Benzema: France striker ruled out of 2022 World Cup in Qatar |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/12751403/karim-benzema-france-striker-ruled-out-of-2022-world-cup-in-qatar |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=19 November 2022 |date=19 November 2022}}</ref> Despite not taking part in the tournament, Benzema was still awarded the silver medal as he was not replaced by another player unlike [[Christopher Nkunku]], who was replaced by [[Randal Kolo Muani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Karim Benzema may be awarded World Cup medal despite withdrawing from France team|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1708221/Karim-Benzema-World-Cup-medal-France-England-football-news|publisher=Express|access-date=26 December 2022|date=12 December 2022}}</ref> On 19 December, Benzema announced his retirement from the national team.<ref>{{cite web |title=KARIM BENZEMA RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL – 'I HAVE WRITTEN MY STORY AND OURS IS ENDING' |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/world-cup/2022/karim-benzema-retires-from-international-football-i-have-written-my-story-and-ours-is-ending_sto9283299/story.shtml |website=EuroSport |access-date=19 December 2022 |date=19 December 2022}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Generally known for both his finishing and playmaking,<ref>{{cite news |title=Finisher, creator, Real Madrid leader: Should Benzema be in contention for the Ballon d'Or? |work=Goal (website) |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/real-madrid-leader-benzema-ballon-dor/8ofpp3hpecsv1p2zc8gsog7sp |access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref> Benzema is regarded as one of the best strikers of all time.<ref name="goal.com"/><ref name="90min.com"/> He is a creative, skillful, quick, agile, and prolific forward, who is good in the air and capable of playing off the shoulders of the last defender,<ref name="Arsenal">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11796162/Karim-Benzema-to-Arsenal-Why-Real-Madrid-striker-would-be-a-perfect-signing.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11796162/Karim-Benzema-to-Arsenal-Why-Real-Madrid-striker-would-be-a-perfect-signing.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Karim Benzema to Arsenal: Why Real Madrid striker would be a perfect signing|work=The Telegraph|first1=Alistair|last1=Tweedale|date=11 August 2015|access-date=2 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/07/24/en/football/real_madrid/1374652949.html|title=Benzema's big break|work=Marca|location=Spain|first1=Ulises|last1=Sánchez-Flor|date=24 July 2013|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/manchester-united-prepare-swoop-real-madrid-striker-karim-benzema-1503074|title=Manchester United prepare swoop for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema|work=International Business Times|first1=Arunava|last1=Ray|date=27 May 2015|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref> and has been described as an "immensely talented [[Striker (association football)|striker]]" who is "strong and powerful" and "a potent finisher from inside the box" with either foot, as well as his head, despite being naturally right footed.<ref name="Bio">{{cite news|year=2010|title=Karim Benzema ESPN Bio|publisher=[[ESPN]]|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/46858/karim-benzema?cc=5901|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903213825/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/46858/Karim-Benzema|archive-date=3 September 2010}}</ref><ref name="Arsenal" /> He is considered to be one of the best strikers of his generation, with his Real Madrid manager Ancelotti describing him "the best striker in the world" in 2021.<ref name="level">{{cite web |date=24 December 2021 |title=Benzema on Ronaldo, Haaland level – Ancelotti |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid-espreal_madrid/story/4555967/real-madrids-karim-benzema-at-cristiano-ronaldo-erling-haaland-goalscoring-level-carlo-ancelotti |access-date=16 February 2022 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2020/12/29/5feb52c4e2704eaa5d8b45e6.html |title=Benzema debate in France: Is he the best? |work=Marca|location=Spain|date=29 December 2020 |access-date=16 February 2022 }}</ref>

An atypical [[Squad number (association football)|number 9]], although he is usually deployed as a [[centre forward]], and can operate as an out-and-out striker, Benzema is also capable of playing in several other offensive positions, and has been used on the [[Winger (association football)|wing]], or even as a [[playmaker]] behind the main striker, either in the number 10 role as an [[attacking midfielder]], or as a deep-lying forward. In addition to his goalscoring, Benzema is known for his willingness and ability to drop into deeper or wider positions, and either link-up play with midfielders, or use his strength and technical ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal to provide [[Assist (football)|assists]] for teammates, courtesy of his vision, creativity, passing, and eye for the final ball;{{#tag:ref|See<ref name="Arsenal"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/analysed-karim-benzema-more-important-everybody-thought#:WC7ZOI2ok4fR0A|title=Analysed: Karim Benzema is more important than everybody thought|work=FourFourTwo|first1=Kiyan|last1=Sobhani|date=25 February 2016|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="return">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/club/real-madrid/86/blog/post/2581789/real-madrid-karim-benzema-return-to-help-cohesion-of-attack |title=Benzema's return will bring cohesion back to Real Madrid attack |publisher=ESPN |first=Rob |last=Train |date=25 August 2015|access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="perfect">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/name/15/blog/post/2050897/headline |title=Karim Benzema is the perfect striker for Real, plus praise for Villarreal |publisher=ESPN |first=Graham |last=Hunter |date=23 September 2014 |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Olivier |last=Martínez |url=http://www.marca.com/en/2015/09/17/en/football/real_madrid/1442480053.html|title=Benzema, the silent killer |work=Marca|location=Spain |date=17 September 2015|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref>|name="style1"|group="nb"}} his playing style led one commentator to describe him as a "nine and a half".<ref>{{cite web |first=Santiago |last=Siguero |title=Benzema, BBC's perfect lubricant |url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/opinion/2018/01/31/5a72335e468aeb9b018b462b.html |work=Marca|location=Spain |date=31 January 2018 |access-date=2 September 2018}}</ref> Highlighting his prolific goalscoring and his creative abilities, Benzema ranks as Madrid's all-time [[List of Real Madrid CF records and statistics#Goalscorers|second-highest goalscorer]] and top assist provider, with 328 goals and 104 assists respectively.<ref name="asissts"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fbref.com/en/players/70d74ece/Karim-Benzema|title=Karim Benzema|work=fbref.com|access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref>

During his time at Madrid, Benzema has also been praised by pundits for his work-rate and tactical intelligence off the ball, as well as his positional sense and attacking movement as a [[Forward (association football)|forward]], which often draws opposing defenders out of position, and in turn creates spaces for his teammates; as such, he formed a strong offensive partnership with [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] during the latter's time with the club. Indeed, Benzema's movement drew defenders away and created space for Ronaldo to make attacking runs into the centre of the area from the left wing, which essentially saw the Frenchman act as a [[Forward (association football)#False 9|false 9]].{{#tag:ref|See<ref name="return"/><ref name="perfect"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Ian |last=Hawkey |date=28 February 2016 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/cristiano-ronaldo/12177090/Cristiano-Ronaldo-takes-aim-at-Real-Madrid-teammates-as-La-Liga-hopes-take-mortal-blow.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/cristiano-ronaldo/12177090/Cristiano-Ronaldo-takes-aim-at-Real-Madrid-teammates-as-La-Liga-hopes-take-mortal-blow.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=Cristiano Ronaldo takes aim at Real Madrid teammates as La Liga hopes take mortal blow |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=2 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-benzema-too-important-leave-real-madrid-season#:rfHxSHexxqfR0A|title=Why Benzema is too important to leave Real Madrid this season |work=FourFourTwo |first=John |last=Robertson |date=28 August 2015 |access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.squawka.com/news/karim-benzema-is-the-mvp-of-the-b-b-c/625032 |title=Karim Benzema is the real MVP of Real Madrid's star-studded attack |work=Squawka |first=Muhammad |last=Butt |date=21 March 2016 |access-date=4 January 2018 |archive-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105070200/http://www.squawka.com/news/karim-benzema-is-the-mvp-of-the-b-b-c/625032 |url-status=dead }}</ref>|name="style2"|group="nb"}} Following Ronaldo's departure in 2018, he took on a new role as the club's main striker, playing with his back to goal less frequently, and instead receiving the ball facing the goal and taking more touches inside the penalty area; in this position, he also often drifted out wide onto the left flank, while he was able to utilise his control and touch on the ball effectively to create goalscoring opportunities for himself inside the box. The positional change saw an increase in his goalscoring output for the club and an improvement in his shooting, for which he had occasionally come under criticism from the press in the past, as demonstrated by the variety of his goals, his conversion rate, and his clinical finishing with his feet as well as his head; however, in addition to taking over the role of the team's main goalscorer, he also still continued to serve as link-up player for the team's front line by creating chances for his teammates.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61069998 |title=How Benzema has become one of world's top strikers |work=BBC Sport |last=Chohan |first=Raj |date=12 April 2022 |access-date=3 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/karim-benzema-cristiano-ronaldo-deputy-real-madrid/blt5df82668575c76ec |title=Benzema: I wasn't Ronaldo's deputy at Real Madrid |work=Goal (website) |last=Harraz |first=Marwan |date=15 January 2022 |access-date=3 June 2022 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
{{multiple image
| align = right
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| width = 220
| image1 = Karim Benzema in a Real Madrid music video.jpg
| image2 = Karim Benzema in a Real Madrid commercial.jpg
| footer = Benzema in an [[Adidas]] music video (above) and a commercial (below) for Real Madrid in 2019 and 2018, respectively
}}
Benzema was born in [[Lyon]] to [[Algerians in France|French nationals of Algerian descent]].<ref name="Youth"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema, l'arme fatale de l'OL |date=19 September 2007 |language=fr |work=Maxifoot |url=http://www.maxifoot.fr/articles/4383/index.htm |access-date =19 June 2009}}</ref> His grandfather, Da Lakehal Benzema, lived in the village of [[Tigzirt]], located in the northern town of [[Beni Djellil|Aït Djellil]] in [[Algeria]] before migrating to Lyon, where he eventually settled in the 1950s.<ref name="Background">{{cite web |work=DjaZairess |title=Sur les traces de Karim Benzema |url=http://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/94450 |date=13 May 2008 |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> Benzema's father, Hafid, was born in Tigzirt, while his mother, Wahida Djebbara, was born and raised in Lyon; her family originated from [[Oran]]. Benzema is the third youngest in the family and grew up with eight other siblings in [[Bron]], an eastern suburb of Lyon.<ref name="Background"/> His younger brothers Gressy and Sabri are also footballers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sur les traces de Karim Benzema |url=http://www.20minutes.fr/article/648150/sports-a-vaulx-en-velin-gressy-benzema-joueur-comme-autre |work=20 Minutes |date=6 January 2011 |access-date =6 May 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> The former plays at the amateur level with Vaulx-le-Velin in the Division d'Honneur, the sixth division of French football, while the latter plays in the youth academy of a club in the family's hometown of Bron.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 January 2011 |title=Vaulx-en-Velin – Gressy, l'autre Benzema |publisher=[[FIFA]] |language=fr |url=http://fr.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1368589.html|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213165139/http://fr.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1368589.html |archive-date=13 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sabri Benzema, plus fort que son frère? |work=FootMercato |date=9 August 2009 |url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/sabri-benzema-plus-fort-que-son-frere_38053 |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr}}</ref>

On 3 February 2014, his then-girlfriend Chloé de Launay gave birth to their daughter Mélia in Madrid.<ref>{{cite news |title=Karim Benzema le footballeur est devenu papa |url=http://www.public.fr/News/Exclu-Public-Karim-Benzema-le-footballeur-est-devenu-papa-496902 |work=Public |date=4 February 2014 |access-date =25 November 2014 |language=fr}}</ref> On 5 May 2017, his girlfriend Cora Gauthier gave birth to their son Ibrahim.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/laparisienne/people/karim-benzema-est-papa-pour-la-deuxieme-fois-26-05-2017-6985572.php|title=Karim Benzema est papa pour la deuxième fois |first=Anne-Charlotte |last=Dancourt |date=26 May 2017 |work=Le Parisien}}</ref> A practicing [[Muslim]], Benzema observes fasting during the Islamic holy month of [[Ramadan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/08/22/1454134/ramadan-fasting-for-real-madrid-trio-lassana-benzema-and|title=Ramadan Fasting For Real Madrid Trio Lassana, Benzema and Diarra |publisher=Dadyal Online |date=22 August 2009|access-date=31 December 2012}}</ref> He has spoken about his faith saying: "My faith helps me to be focused every day. It brings me benefits and it's my strength for me, my family, as well as for my work – for literally everything."<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Madrid's Algerian-French Striker Karim Benzema Stars on the Cover of Vogue Man Arabia's Fall/Winter 2019 Issue |url=https://man.vogue.me/news/real-madrid-striker-karim-benzema-stars-on-the-cover-of-vogue-man-arabia/|work=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]] |date=30 September 2019|access-date=18 September 2021 |last1=Gouveia |first1=Alexandria }}</ref> In October 2023, Benzema expressed solidarity with the victims of [[Gaza war|Israeli airstrikes in Gaza]].<ref>{{cite news |title=French senator wants Karim Benzema's Ballon d'Or title, citizenship be stripped |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/france-karim-benzema-israel-hamas-palestine-muslim-brotherhood-13268972.html |work=Firstpost |date=19 October 2023}}</ref>

Benzema has been dating American model Jordan Ozuna since 2022, and confirmed their relationship on [[Instagram]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2022 |title=Benzema and Jordan Ozuna are no longer hiding their love: Public messages on Instagram |url=https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrities/2022/08/12/62f6595846163f2f1f8b4596.html |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=Marca|location=Spain |language=en}}</ref> Ozuna is the mother of Benzema's fourth child. In 2023, Ozuna converted to Islam.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2023 |title=Jordan Ozuna, Karim Benzema's partner, speaks out for the first time |url=https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrities/2023/06/28/649c78ebe2704e0b528b461e.html |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=Marca|location=Spain |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tagoe |first=Godwin Nii Armah |date=1 July 2023 |title=Jordan Ozuna: Benzema's Girlfriend Converts to Islam, Says She 'Cried Like a Girl' Reading Quran |url=https://sportsbrief.com/football/43845-jordan-ozuna-benzemas-partner-converts-islam-cried-a-girl-reading-quran/ |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=SportsBrief – Sport news. |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208234721/https://sportsbrief.com/football/43845-jordan-ozuna-benzemas-partner-converts-islam-cried-a-girl-reading-quran/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Since evolving internationally, Benzema has participated in numerous advertising campaigns. He was chosen as an ambassador of the American video game publisher [[Electronic Arts]] for the [[FIFA (video game series)|''FIFA'' series]]. He has signed several sponsorship contracts, notably with the Korean automobile manufacturer [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]], the French telephone operator [[SFR]] and its subsidiary BuzzMobile, the French bank [[LCL S.A.|LCL]] and the sports betting company [[bwin]]. Benzema is sponsored by [[Adidas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.capital.fr/economie-politique/benzema-prive-d-equipe-de-france-doit-il-craindre-pour-ses-sponsors-1091160|title=Benzema privé d'équipe de France : doit-il craindre pour ses sponsors ?|work=[[Capital (French magazine)|Capital]]|date=10 December 2015|access-date=22 February 2021|language=fr}}</ref> In 2017, his documentary film ''Le K Benzema'' was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milleworld.com/karim-benzema-netflix-documentary/|title=5 Things We Learned from Karim Benzema's Netflix Documentary|work=Mille World|date=5 June 2018|access-date=22 February 2021}}</ref> In 2020, Benzema started his own [[YouTube]] channel, uploading videos of his everyday life, as well as interviews and fan [[Interview|Q&As]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mouv.fr/sport/benzema-cree-sa-chaine-youtube-et-publie-une-premiere-video-358152|title=Benzema crée sa chaîne YouTube et publie une première vidéo|work=[[Mouv']]|date=23 February 2020|access-date=24 December 2020|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2020/08/02/5f27328e22601dde3d8b4609.html|title=Benzema's interesting response when asked about coaching Real Madrid one day|work=Marca|location=Spain|date=2 August 2020|access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> In 2022, Benzema was named official ambassador of the [[Fendi]] Faster sneaker line.<ref>{{cite web|title=Karim Benzema named official ambassador of the FENDI Faster sneaker line|url=https://essentialhomme.net/karim-benzema-official-ambassador-fendi-faster/|work=Essential Homme|date=2 September 2022|access-date=21 June 2023|archive-date=21 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621112851/https://essentialhomme.net/karim-benzema-official-ambassador-fendi-faster/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Controversies and legal issues===
On 6 December 2006, he told [[Radio Monte Carlo|RMC]] about his possible selection for the [[Algeria national football team|Algerian team]]: "It's my parents' country, it's in my heart. But well, from a sporting perspective, it's true I'll play in the French team. I'll always be available for the French team [...] It's more for the sporting side, because Algeria is my country, you see, my parents come from there. France, on the other hand ... it's more of a sport thing, that's it."<ref>{{cite web|title=Les citations déformées de Karim Benzema sur l'équipe de France et l'Algérie|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2016/06/02/les-citations-deformees-de-karim-benzema_4931167_4355770.html|website=Le Monde|access-date=20 May 2018|language=fr|date=10 June 2016}}</ref> Benzema drew some criticism for these comments, as well as for his reluctance to sing the French national anthem, "[[La Marseillaise]]", before each match with the national team.<ref>{{cite news|language=fr|title=Karim Benzema : "On ne va pas me forcer à chanter La Marseillaise"|newspaper=[[Le Monde]]|date=19 March 2013|issn=1950-6244|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2013/03/19/karim-benzema-on-ne-va-pas-me-forcer-a-chanter-la-marseillaise_1850657_3242.html|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=fr|first=Alexandre|last=Boudet|title=Karim Benzema explique pourquoi il ne chantait pas la Marseillaise|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/2018/04/17/karim-benzema-explique-pourquoi-il-ne-chantait-pas-la-marseillaise_a_23413381/|website=[[HuffPost]]|date=17 April 2018|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>

On 18 April 2010, French television channel [[M6 (TV channel)|M6]] reported that four members of the [[France national football team|France national team]] were being investigated for their roles as clients in a prostitute ring operated inside of a Paris nightclub, with some of the women possibly being underage. The players were eventually revealed to be Franck Ribéry, Sidney Govou, Hatem Ben Arfa and Benzema.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rmc.fr/editorial/108424/quatre-bleus-impliques-dans-une-affaire-de-moeurs/ |title=Quatre Bleus impliqués dans une affaire de moeurs? |date=18 April 2010 |access-date =20 April 2010 |publisher=[[Radio Monte Carlo|RMC]] |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2010/20100418_224418_ribery-parmi-les-temoins-entendus.html |title=Ribéry parmi les témoins entendus |date=18 April 2010 |access-date=20 April 2010 |publisher=[[L'Equipe]] |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421061245/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2010/20100418_224418_ribery-parmi-les-temoins-entendus.html |archive-date=21 April 2010}}</ref> Benzema was alleged to have had a sexual rendezvous with a prostitute when she was 16 years of age, an act Benzema denied through his lawyer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/777702/ce/uk/?campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901&ver=us |title=Lawyer denies Benzema used prostitute |date=26 April 2010 |access-date=1 May 2010 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |language=fr |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026074905/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/777702/ce/uk/?campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901&ver=us |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 20 July, Benzema was questioned by Paris police and indicted on the charge of "solicitation of a minor prostitute".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/20/franck-ribery-karim-benzema-police |title=Franck Ribéry and Karim Benzema held in prostitution investigation |date=20 July 2010 |access-date =20 July 2010 |work=The Guardian |first=Lizzy |last=Davies}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.francefootball.fr/FF/breves2010/20100720_180924_ribery-mis-en-examen.html |title=Ribéry et Benzema mis en examen |date=21 July 2010 |access-date=20 July 2010 |publisher=France Football |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722094516/http://www.francefootball.fr/FF/breves2010/20100720_180924_ribery-mis-en-examen.html |archive-date=22 July 2010}}</ref> In November 2011, prosecutors asked for the cases against Ribéry and Benzema to be dropped, saying that the players were not aware that the escort, identified as [[Zahia Dehar]], was 16 years old.<ref>{{cite web|title=French prosecutors accept that Ribery did not know prostitute was a minor |date=19 November 2011|publisher=France 24|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20111119-football-ribery-prostitute-minor-case-benzema-france-paris-justice}}</ref> However, the case did go on to trial. In January 2014, the judge in the case dropped the charges against both Ribery and Benzema saying there was lack of sufficient evidence that the pair knew the prostitutes were underaged.<ref>{{cite news|title=French court drops Ribery and Benzema prostitution case |work=BBC News |date=30 January 2014|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25964763}}</ref>

On 4 November 2015, Benzema was arrested by French police for his alleged part in [[blackmail]]ing fellow France international player [[Mathieu Valbuena]] over the alleged recording of a [[Amateur pornography|sex tape]] on a mobile phone.<ref>{{cite news|last=Willsher|first=Kim|title=Karim Benzema arrested by police in sex-tape blackmail case |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/04/karim-benzema-arrested-sex-tape-blackmail|access-date=4 November 2015|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=4 November 2015}}</ref> During the investigation over the blackmail plot, French Prime Minister [[Manuel Valls]] stated, "A great athlete should be exemplary. If he is not, he has no place in the France team. There are so many kids, so many youngsters in our suburbs that relate to great athletes. They wear the blue jersey, the colours of France, which are so important in these moments."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34974358 |title=No place for Benzema – French PM |work=BBC Sport |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204081832/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34974358 |archive-date=4 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Pour-manuel-valls-karim-benzema-n-a-pas-sa-place-en-equipe-de-france/612424 |title=Manuel Valls : "Un sportif doit être exemplaire" |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117211727/http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Pour-manuel-valls-karim-benzema-n-a-pas-sa-place-en-equipe-de-france/612424 |archive-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> On 10 December 2015, the president of the FFF [[Noël Le Graët]] announced the provisional suspension of the striker from the [[France national football team|French team]] until a new development in the affair.<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|url=http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/equipe-de-france/actualites/benzema-n-est-plus-selectionnable-en-equipe-de-france-782864|title=Benzema n'est plus sélectionnable en équipe de France|first=Romain|last=Schneider|date=10 December 2015|website=[[Le Figaro]]|access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> On 17 February 2016, the judicial review was lifted by the [[investigating judge (France)|investigating judge]] who allowed Benzema to get in touch again with Valbuena. On 11 July 2017, the [[Court of Cassation (France)|Court of Cassation]] issued a judgment in which it invalidated a decision of the Court of Appeal of Versailles, which had validated the procedure by which Benzema had been indicted for complicity of attempted blackmail. This decision was made on the basis of contesting the legality of the phone calls recording by the police, and the judgement did not disprove the veracity of the blackmail attempt on Valbuena by Benzema.<ref>{{cite web|title=Affaire de la " sextape " de Valbuena : une victoire judiciaire pour Karim Benzema|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2017/07/12/affaire-de-la-sextape-de-valbuena-une-victoire-judiciaire-pour-karim-benzema_5159490_1653578.html|website=Le Monde|access-date=20 May 2018|language=fr|date=12 July 2017}}</ref> On 7 January 2021, the public prosecutor's office in Versailles announced that Benzema would face trial for his alleged involvement in the blackmail attempt.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Real Madrid star Karim Benzema to stand trial in sex tape case|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/7/real-madrid-star-karim-benzema-to-stand-trial-in-sex-tape-case|access-date=13 January 2021|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 24 November 2021, Benzema was found guilty of conspiring to blackmail Valbuena with a sex tape.<ref name="Convicted 1"/><ref name="Convicted 2"/> The judge gave him a one-year suspended sentence and fined him €75,000.<ref name="Convicted 1">{{Cite news|date=24 November 2021|title=Karim Benzema: French footballer guilty in sex tape blackmail case|work=[[BBC News]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59399701|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="Convicted 2">{{Cite news|last=Sage|first=Adam|date=24 November 2021|title=Real Madrid star Karim Benzema convicted over sex tape blackmail plot|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/real-madrid-star-karim-benzema-convicted-over-sex-tape-blackmail-plot-bszb207bt|website=[[The Times]]|access-date=24 November 2021|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> His lawyers said they would appeal his conviction.<ref name="Convicted 1" /> He was sentenced in this case in June 2022 to a one-year suspended sentence and a fine of £63,000, after having abandoned the appeal procedure. Benzema's lawyer indicated their intention to appeal the verdict.<ref>{{cite news |title=France's Benzema drops appeal in sex-tape case |url=https://www.dw.com/en/karim-benzema-french-soccer-star-drops-sex-tape-appeal/a-62034183 |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=4 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Affaire de la " sextape " : Karim Benzema se désiste de son appel, épilogue après six ans de procédure |trans-title="Sextape" affair: Karim Benzema withdraws his appeal, epilogue after six years of proceedings |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2022/06/04/karim-benzema-se-desiste-de-son-appel-dans-le-proces-de-la-sextape_6128893_3224.html |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=Le Monde |date=4 June 2024 |language=French}}</ref>

In March 2020, during an [[Instagram]] livestream with [[YouTuber]] and internet personality [[Mohamed Henni]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bacon|first=Lucie|date=30 March 2020|title=Un nouveau live de Karim Benzema sur Instagram fait polémique|trans-title=A new livestream of Karim Benzema on Instagram becomes controversial |url=https://sports.konbini.com/story/un-nouveau-live-de-karim-benzema-sur-instagram-fait-polemique/|access-date=21 March 2021|website=Konbini Sports|language=fr}}</ref> Benzema made controversial remarks about French player [[Olivier Giroud]], who replaced Benzema in the France national team.<ref>{{Cite web|title='You don't compare Formula 1 with karting' – Benzema takes aim at Giroud |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/you-dont-compare-formula-1-with-karting-benzema-slams-giroud/p3x5o6e3u6hb1tj67kcwo4cs8|access-date=21 March 2021|website=Goal (website)}}</ref> He called Giroud "karting" while he referred to himself as "[[Formula One|Formula 1]]".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lane|first=Barnaby|title=A Real Madrid striker called himself a 'Formula One car,' and his international teammate a 'go-kart' in an astonishing outburst on Instagram|url=https://www.insider.com/karim-benzema-formula-1-car-olivier-giroud-go-kart-2020-3|access-date=21 March 2021|website=Insider}}</ref> On 10 March 2023, France head coach Didier Deschamps stated in an interview with ''[[Le Parisien]]'' that he had told Benzema following his injury prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup that there was "no emergency" and that he could "organize his return" from injury with the team manager. Deschamps then claimed that Benzema made the decision to leave the France team himself, saying "when I woke up, I learned that he had left". However, Benzema responded on his Instagram story by reposting the Deschamps statement in the interview with the caption "but what audacity". He posted a further story of French [[Snapchat]] personality Ritchie repeating the phrase "liar, you are a liar".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karim Benzema réfute sur Instagram la version sur son départ des Bleus de Didier Deschamps |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-refute-sur-instagram-la-version-sur-son-depart-des-bleus-de-didier-deschamps/1385223 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{{updated|match played 30 May 2025}}<ref>[http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=40900 "Karim Benzema – Football Stats"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305224416/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=40900 |date=5 March 2016}}. Soccer base. Retrieved 10 June 2014</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Karim Benzema » Club matches|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/karim-benzema/2/|access-date=26 February 2021|website=worldfootball.net}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de France]], [[Copa del Rey]], [[King's Cup (Saudi Arabia)|King's Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de la Ligue]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental{{efn|All appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]], unless otherwise noted}}
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Lyon II]]
|{{nowrap|2004–05}}
|[[Championnat National 2|CFA]]
|11||10||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||10
|-
|2005–06
|CFA
|9||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||9||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!20||15||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||15
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Olympique Lyonnais|Lyon]]
|[[2004–05 Olympique Lyonnais season|2004–05]]
|[[Ligue 1]]
|6||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
|[[2005–06 Olympique Lyonnais season|2005–06]]
|Ligue 1
|13||1||2||2||0||0||1||1||colspan="2"|—||16||4
|-
|[[2006–07 Olympique Lyonnais season|2006–07]]
|Ligue 1
|21||5||1||0||1||0||3||2||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Trophée des Champions]]|name=Tc}}||1||27||8
|-
|[[2007–08 Olympique Lyonnais season|2007–08]]
|Ligue 1
|36||20||6||6||2||1||7||4||1{{efn|name=Tc}}
|0||52||31
|-
|[[2008–09 Olympique Lyonnais season|2008–09]]
|Ligue 1
|36||17||2||1||0||0||8||5||1{{efn|name=Tc}}||0||47||23
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!112||43||11||9||3||1||19||12||3||1||148||66
|-
|rowspan="15"|[[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
|[[2009–10 Real Madrid CF season|2009–10]]
|[[La Liga]]
|27||8||1||0||colspan="2"|—||5||1||colspan="2"|—||33||9
|-
|[[2010–11 Real Madrid CF season|2010–11]]
|La Liga
|33||15||7||5||colspan="2"|—||8||6||colspan="2"|—||48||26
|-
|[[2011–12 Real Madrid CF season|2011–12]]
|La Liga
|34||21||5||3||colspan="2"|—||11||7||2{{efn|Appearance(s) in [[Supercopa de España]]|name=Sup}}||1||52||32
|-
|[[2012–13 Real Madrid CF season|2012–13]]
|La Liga
|30||11||8||4||colspan="2"|—||10||5||2{{efn|name=Sup}}||0||50||20
|-
|[[2013–14 Real Madrid CF season|2013–14]]
|La Liga
|35||17||6||2||colspan="2"|—||11||5||colspan="2"|—||52||24
|-
|[[2014–15 Real Madrid CF season|2014–15]]
|La Liga
|29||15||3||0||colspan="2"|—||9||6||5{{efn|One appearance in [[UEFA Super Cup]], two appearances in Supercopa de España, two appearances and one goal in [[FIFA Club World Cup]]}}||1||46||22
|-
|[[2015–16 Real Madrid CF season|2015–16]]
|La Liga
|27||24||0||0||colspan="2"|—||9||4||colspan="2"|—||36||28
|-
|[[2016–17 Real Madrid CF season|2016–17]]
|La Liga
|29||11||3||1||colspan="2"|—||13||5||3{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and two goals in FIFA Club World Cup}}||2||48||19
|-
|[[2017–18 Real Madrid CF season|2017–18]]
|La Liga
|32||5||1||1||colspan="2"|—||9||5||5{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and one goal in Supercopa de España, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup}}||1||47||12
|-
|[[2018–19 Real Madrid CF season|2018–19]]
|La Liga
|36||21||6||4||colspan="2"|—||8||4||3{{efn|One appearance and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup}}||1||53||30
|-
|[[2019–20 Real Madrid CF season|2019–20]]
|La Liga
|37||21||3||1||colspan="2"|—||8||5||0||0||48||27
|-
|[[2020–21 Real Madrid CF season|2020–21]]
|La Liga
|34||23||1||0||colspan="2"|—||10||6||1{{efn|name=Sup}}||1||46||30
|-
|[[2021–22 Real Madrid CF season|2021–22]]
|La Liga
|32||27||0||0||colspan="2"|—||12||15||2{{efn|name=Sup}}||2||46||44
|-
|[[2022–23 Real Madrid CF season|2022–23]]
|La Liga
|24||19||5||4||colspan="2"|—||10||4||4{{efn|Two appearances and two goals in Supercopa de España, one appearance and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup}}||4||43||31
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!439||238||49||25||colspan="2"|—||133||78||27||13||648||354
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah)|Al-Ittihad]]
|[[2023–24 Al-Ittihad Club season|2023–24]]
|[[Saudi Pro League]]
|21||9||1||1||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Champions League]]}}||0||8{{efn|Four appearances and three goals in [[Arab Club Champions Cup]], two appearances and two goals in FIFA Club World Cup, two appearances and one goal in [[Saudi Super Cup]]}}||6||33||16
|-
|[[2024–25 Al-Ittihad Club season|2024–25]]
|Saudi Pro League
|29||21||4||4||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||25
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!50||30||5||5||colspan="2"|—||3||0||8||6||66||41
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!621||326||65||39||3||1||155||90||38||20||882||476
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="Benzema, Karim NFT">{{NFT player|id=17409|name=Benzema, Karim|access-date=10 June 2014}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="16"|[[France national football team|France]]
|2007||8||3
|-
|2008||11||2
|-
|2009||8||3
|-
|2010||5||3
|-
|2011||10||2
|-
|2012||12||2
|-
|2013||10||3
|-
|2014||13||7
|-
|2015||4||2
|-
|2016||0||0
|-
|2017||0||0
|-
|2018||0||0
|-
|2019||0||0
|-
|2020||0||0
|-
|2021||13||9
|-
|2022||3||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!97!!37
|}

:''Scores and results list France's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Benzema goal''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=26443|title=Karim Benzema stats|access-date=24 July 2020|website=EU-Football.info}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Karim Benzema
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Cap
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|1
|28 March 2007
|[[Stade de France]], Saint-Denis, France
|style="text-align: center;"|1
|{{fb|AUT}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|2
|rowspan="2"|13 October 2007
|rowspan="2"|[[Tórsvøllur]], Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|5
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|FRO}}
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|6–0
|rowspan="2"|[[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|3
|style="text-align: center;"|5–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|4
|20 August 2008
|[[Ullevi]], Gothenburg, Sweden
|style="text-align: center;"|14
|{{fb|SWE}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–1
|style="text-align: center;"|3–2
| rowspan="3" |[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|5
|14 October 2008
|[[Stade de France]], Saint-Denis, France
|style="text-align: center;"|18
|{{fb|TUN}}
|style="text-align: center;"|3–1
|style="text-align: center;"|3–1
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|6
|5 June 2009
|[[Stade de Gerland]], Lyon, France
|style="text-align: center;"|24
|{{fb|TUR}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|7
|10 October 2009
|[[Stade de Roudourou]], Guingamp, France
|style="text-align: center;"|26
|{{fb|FRO}}
|style="text-align: center;"|5–0
|style="text-align: center;"|5–0
| rowspan="2" |[[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|8
|14 October 2009
|[[Stade de France]], Saint-Denis, France
|style="text-align: center;"|27
|{{fb|AUT}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|3–1
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|9
|7 September 2010
|[[Koševo City Stadium]], Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
|style="text-align: center;"|29
|{{fb|BIH}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|2–0
| rowspan="2" |[[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|10
|12 October 2010
|[[Stade Saint-Symphorien]], Metz, France
|style="text-align: center;"|31
|{{fb|LUX}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|2–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|11
|17 November 2010
|[[Wembley Stadium]], London, England
|style="text-align: center;"|32
|{{fb|ENG}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|2–1
| rowspan="2" |[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|12
|9 February 2011
|[[Stade de France]], Saint-Denis, France
|style="text-align: center;"|33
|{{fb|BRA}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|13
|2 September 2011
|[[Stadiumi Qemal Stafa]], Tirana, Albania
|style="text-align: center;"|39
|{{fb|ALB}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|2–1
|[[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|14
|rowspan="2"|5 June 2012
|rowspan="2"|[[MMArena]], Le Mans, France
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|45
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|EST}}
|style="text-align: center;"|2–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|4–0
| rowspan="3" |[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|15
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|16
|11 October 2013
|[[Parc des Princes]], Paris, France
|style="text-align: center;"|61
|{{fb|AUS}}
|style="text-align: center;"|6–0
|style="text-align: center;"|6–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|17
|15 October 2013
| rowspan="3" |[[Stade de France]], Saint-Denis, France
|style="text-align: center;"|62
|{{fb|FIN}}
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
| rowspan="2" |[[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|18
|19 November 2013
|style="text-align: center;"|64
|{{fb|UKR}}
|style="text-align: center;"|2–0
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|19
|5 March 2014
|style="text-align: center;"|65
|{{fb|NED}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|2–0
| rowspan="3" |[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|20
|rowspan="2"|8 June 2014
|rowspan="2"|[[Stade Pierre-Mauroy]], Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|66
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|JAM}}
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|8–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|21
|style="text-align: center;"|5–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|22
|rowspan="2"|15 June 2014
|rowspan="2"|[[Estádio Beira-Rio]], Porto Alegre, Brazil
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|67
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|HON|1949}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|3–0
| rowspan="3" |[[2014 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|23
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|24
|20 June 2014
|[[Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova]], Salvador, Brazil
|style="text-align: center;"|68
|{{fb|SUI}}
|style="text-align: center;"|4–0
|style="text-align: center;"|5–2
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|25
|11 October 2014
|[[Stade de France]], Saint-Denis, France
|style="text-align: center;"|74
|{{fb|POR}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|2–1
| rowspan="3" |[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|26
|rowspan="2"|8 October 2015
|rowspan="2"|[[Allianz Riviera]], Nice, France
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|81
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|ARM}}
|style="text-align: center;"|3–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|4–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|27
|style="text-align: center;"|4–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|28
|rowspan="2"|23 June 2021
|rowspan="2"|[[Puskás Aréna]], Budapest, Hungary
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|86
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|POR}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–1
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|2–2
| rowspan="4" |[[UEFA Euro 2020]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|29
|style="text-align: center;"|2–1
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|30
|rowspan="2"|28 June 2021
|rowspan="2"|[[Arena Națională]], Bucharest, Romania
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|87
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|SUI}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–1
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|3–3 {{aet}}
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|31
|style="text-align: center;"|2–1
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|32
|7 October 2021
|[[Juventus Stadium]], Turin, Italy
|style="text-align: center;"|91
|{{fb|BEL}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–2
|style="text-align: center;"|3–2
|[[2021 UEFA Nations League Finals]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|33
|10 October 2021
|[[San Siro]], Milan, Italy
|style="text-align: center;"|92
|{{fb|ESP}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–1
|style="text-align: center;"|[[2021 UEFA Nations League final|2–1]]
|[[2021 UEFA Nations League final]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|34
|rowspan="2"|13 November 2021
|rowspan="2"|[[Parc des Princes]], Paris, France
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|93
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|KAZ}}
|style="text-align: center;"|4–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|8–0
| rowspan="3" |[[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|35
|style="text-align: center;"|5–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|36
|16 November 2021
|[[Helsinki Olympic Stadium]], Helsinki, Finland
|style="text-align: center;"|94
|{{fb|FIN}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|2–0
|-
|scope="row" style="text-align: center;"|37
|3 June 2022
|[[Stade de France]], Saint-Denis, France
|style="text-align: center;"|95
|{{fb|DEN}}
|style="text-align: center;"|1–0
|style="text-align: center;"|1–2
|[[2022–23 UEFA Nations League A]]
|}

==Honours==
'''Lyon'''<ref name="SW">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/karim-benzema/1595/|title=K. Benzema|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref>
* [[Ligue 1]]: [[2004–05 Ligue 1|2004–05]], [[2005–06 Ligue 1|2005–06]], [[2006–07 Ligue 1|2006–07]], [[2007–08 Ligue 1|2007–08]]
* [[Coupe de France]]: [[2007–08 Coupe de France|2007–08]]
*[[Trophée des Champions]]: [[2006 Trophée des Champions|2006]], [[2007 Trophée des Champions|2007]]

'''Real Madrid'''<ref name="SW" />
* [[La Liga]]: [[2011–12 La Liga|2011–12]], [[2016–17 La Liga|2016–17]], [[2019–20 La Liga|2019–20]],<ref name="Liga"/> [[2021–22 La Liga|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/real-madrid-35th-la-liga-title/bltb8dfbd27f32f5feb |title=Real Madrid clinch 35th La Liga title with four games to spare after victory over Espanyol |date=30 April 2022 |access-date=30 April 2022 |last=Westwood |first=James |work=Goal (website)}}</ref>
* [[Copa del Rey]]: [[2010–11 Copa del Rey|2010–11]], [[2013–14 Copa del Rey|2013–14]], [[2022–23 Copa del Rey|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Madrid 2–1 Osasuna: Rodrygo scores twice as Madrid win Copa del Rey |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65500297|publisher=BBC|date=6 May 2023|access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref>
* [[Supercopa de España]]: [[2012 Supercopa de España|2012]], [[2017 Supercopa de España|2017]], [[2020 Supercopa de España|2020]], [[2022 Supercopa de España|2022]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2022/01/16/61e481b0ca4741226d8b458c.html|title=Modric and Benzema fire Real Madrid to the Supercopa title |newspaper=Marca|location=Spain |first=Euan |last=Mctear |date=16 January 2022|access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref>
* [[UEFA Champions League]]: [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League|2013–14]], [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League|2015–16]], [[2016–17 UEFA Champions League|2016–17]], [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League|2017–18]], [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-15415a62aaf0-36d3e17d7404-1000/ |title=Champions League final: Vinícius Júnior scores only goal as Real Madrid deny Liverpool again |publisher=UEFA |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=28 May 2022}}</ref>
* [[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2014 UEFA Super Cup|2014]], [[2016 UEFA Super Cup|2016]], [[2017 UEFA Super Cup|2017]], [[2022 UEFA Super Cup|2022]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0278-15d6268709ab-38bef8ec34df-1000--report-real-madrid-win-the-super-cup/ |title=Real Madrid 2–0 Eintracht Frankfurt: Five-star Madrid triumph in Helsinki |publisher=UEFA |date=10 August 2022 |access-date=11 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[FIFA Club World Cup]]: [[2014 FIFA Club World Cup|2014]], [[2016 FIFA Club World Cup|2016]], [[2017 FIFA Club World Cup|2017]], [[2018 FIFA Club World Cup|2018]], [[2022 FIFA Club World Cup|2022]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/real-madrid-al-hilal-final-report-review-vinicius-junior-federico-valverde-club-world-cup-morocco-2022 |title=Vinicius and Valverde dazzle as five-star Madrid conquer |publisher=[[FIFA]] |date=11 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref>

'''Al-Ittihad'''
* [[Saudi Pro League]]: [[2024–25 Saudi Pro League|2024–25]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/651853/Sports/Ittihad-seals-league-title-away-from-Jeddah-once-again|title=Ittihad seals league title away from Jeddah once again|newspaper=[[Saudi Gazette]]|date=15 May 2025|access-date=16 May 2025}}</ref>
* [[King's Cup (Saudi Arabia)|King's Cup]]: [[2024–25 King's Cup (Saudi Arabia)|2024–25]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/652319/Sports/Al-Ittihad-win-2025-Kings-Cup-ending-six-year-title-drought|title=Al Ittihad end six-year wait to reclaim King’s Cup crown|newspaper=[[Saudi Gazette]]|date=31 May 2025|access-date=31 May 2025}}</ref>

'''France U17'''
* [[UEFA European Under-17 Championship]]: [[2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship|2004]]<ref name="BenzemaAxed"/>

'''France'''
* [[UEFA Nations League]]: [[2020–21 UEFA Nations League|2020–21]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2030761--spain-vs-france/ |title=France beat Spain to win Nations League |date=10 October 2021|access-date=10 October 2021 |publisher=UEFA}}</ref>
* [[FIFA World Cup]] runner-up: [[2022 FIFA World Cup|2022]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2022 |title=Benzema wins the silver medal at the 2022 World Cup, although he didn't spend a single minute at the tournament |url=https://www.telecomasia.net/news/football/benzema-wins-the-silver-medal-at-the-2022-world-cup-although-he-didnundefinedt-spend-a-single-minute/ |access-date=7 June 2023 |website=telecomasia.net}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
* [[Ballon d'Or]]: [[2022 Ballon d'Or|2022]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/ballon-d-or/2022/ballon-d-or-2022-karim-benzema-wins-ballon-d-or-sadio-mane-second_sto9185294/story.shtml|title=Ballon d'Or 2022 as it happened – Karim Benzema wins Ballon d'Or, Sadio Mane second|publisher=Eurosport|date=17 October 2022|access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref>
* [[Marca Leyenda|Marca Leyenda Award]]: 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Benzema receives Marca Leyenda award {{!}} Real Madrid CF |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/06/01/benzema-receives-marca-leyenda-award |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Real Madrid C.F. - Web Oficial |language=en}}</ref>
* [[UEFA Men's Player of the Year]]: [[UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Karim Benzema wins UEFA Men's Player of the Year award |publisher=UEFA |date=25 August 2022|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0278-15db217295e5-538396ddf3ca-1000--player-of-the-year-benzema/|access-date=25 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[Tuttosport#Golden Player Man Award|Golden Player Man Award]]: [[Tuttosport|2022]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/golden-boy/2022/10/21-98768795/karim_benzema_eletto_golden_player_man|title=Karim Benzema eletto Golden Player Man|trans-title=Karim Benzema is elected as the Golden Player Man|date=21 October 2022|access-date=14 November 2022|newspaper=[[Tuttosport]]|language=it}}</ref>
* [[Onze d'Or]]: 2020–21,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onzemondial.com/liga/2020-2021/karim-benzema-remporte-le-onze-d-or-du-meilleur-joueur-de-la-saison-627219|publisher=Onze Mondial|title=KARIM BENZEMA REMPORTE LE ONZE D'OR DU MEILLEUR JOUEUR DE LA SAISON !|date=21 May 2021|language=fr}}</ref> 2021–22<ref>{{cite news|date=1 June 2022|title=Onze d'Or 2022 : Karim Benzema remporte le trophée de meilleur joueur et réalise le doublé !|url=https://www.onzemondial.com/footoir/onze-d-or-2022-karim-benzema-remporte-le-trophee-de-meilleur-joueur-et-realise-le-double-780593|language=fr|website=Onze Mondial}}</ref>
* [[French Player of the Year]]: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2021<ref name="RSSSF" />
* [[UEFA Champions League Player of the Season]]: [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League#Player of the Season|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Karim Benzema named 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-15465014cfaf-b4d5f6398256-1000--karim-benzema-named-2021-22-uefa-champions-league-player-of-the/ |publisher=UEFA |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref>
* [[List of UEFA Champions League top scorers|UEFA Champions League top goalscorer]]: [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League#Top goalscorer|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/statistics/players/?sortBy=goals |title=UEFA Champions League – Top Scorers |publisher=UEFA |date=28 May 2022}}</ref>
* [[FIFPRO#FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11|FIFA FIFPRO World 11]]: [[The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022#FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11|2022]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2023 |title=Messi makes World 11 history as Benzema earns maiden inclusion |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/fifpro-mens-world-11-2022-benzema-cancelo-casemiro-courtois-de-bruyne-haaland-hakimi-mbappe-messi-modric-van-dijk |access-date=28 February 2023 |publisher=FIFA }}</ref>
* [[2023 FIFA Club World Cup]]: Joint top scorer
* [[La Liga Awards|La Liga Player of the Season]]: [[2019–20 La Liga|2019–20]], [[2021–22 La Liga|2021–22]]
* La Liga Best Player (voted by Marca fans): [[2019–20 La Liga|2019–20]], [[2020–21 La Liga|2020–21]], [[2021–22 La Liga|2021–22]]
* [[Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano]]: [[2019–20 La Liga|2019–20]],<ref name="Marca">{{cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2020/12/21/benzema-winner-of-the-alfredo-di-stefano-marca-award|title=Benzema, winner of the Alfredo Di Stéfano 'Marca' Award|date=21 December 2020|access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> [[2021–22 La Liga|2021–22]]
* [[Pichichi Trophy]]: [[2021–22 La Liga#Top goalscorers|2021–22]]<ref name="pichichi1"/>
* [[UEFA Champions League]] top assist provider: [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League#Top assists|2011–12]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/statistics/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616170756/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/statistics/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 June 2011 |title=UEFA Champions League 2011/12 – History – Statistics |publisher=UEFA |access-date=25 October 2017}}</ref>
* UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: [[2020–21 UEFA Champions League#Squad of the season|2020–21]]<ref>{{cite news |title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12688c451cdd-b6efcb4ce948-1000--champions-league-all-star-squad/ |publisher=UEFA |date=31 May 2021 |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref>
* UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League#Team of the season|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite news |title=2021/22 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-154650014aef-02a394f30379-1000--official-team-of-the-season/ |publisher=UEFA |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref>
* [[IFFHS World Team#Men's winners|IFFHS Men's World Team]]: 2022<ref>{{cite web|date=11 January 2023|title=IFFHS MEN'S WORLD TEAM 2022|url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/2465|access-date=11 January 2023|website=IFFHS}}</ref>
* [[Globe Soccer Awards]] Men's Player of the Year: 2022<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bettoni |first=Lorenzo |date=17 November 2022 |title=Globe Soccer Awards: all the winners – Maldini, Osimhen, Ibra, Ancelotti, Salah and more |work=Football Italia |url=https://football-italia.net/globe-soccer-awards-all-the-winners-maldini-osimhen-ibra-ancelotti-salah-and-more/ |access-date=18 November 2022}}</ref>
* La Liga Team of the Season: [[2018–19 La Liga|2018–19]], [[2019–20 La Liga|2019–20]], [[2020–21 La Liga|2020–21]], [[2021–22 La Liga|2021–22]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-22/ultimate-team/tots/laliga-santander|title=LaLiga Santader Team of the Season|website=EA|date=19 May 2022|accessdate=21 August 2022}}</ref> [[2022–23 La Liga|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Los Premios 'Team Of The Season' de EA SPORTSTM y LaLiga revelan a los mejores 15 jugadores de la temporada |trans-title=The EA SPORTSTM and LaLiga 'Team Of The Season' Awards reveal the best 15 players of the season|url=https://www.laliga.com/noticias/los-premios-team-of-the-season-de-ea-sportstm-y-laliga-revelan-a-los-mejores-15-jugadores-de-la-temporada|date=19 May 2023|access-date=21 May 2023|publisher=LaLiga}}</ref>
* [[UEFA]] La Liga Team of the Season: [[2019–20 La Liga|2019–20]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20200722/482468088863/real-madrid-once-ideal-uefa.html |title=La UEFA se olvida de Oblak en sus equipo ideal de la Liga |website=Mundo Deportivo |language=es |date=22 July 2020}}</ref>
* [[Bravo Award]]: 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/bravo-awards.html|title=The "Bravo" Award|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|author1=José Luis Pierrend|date=8 January 2015|access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref>
* [[List of Ligue 1 top scorers|Ligue 1 top scorer]]: [[2007–08 Ligue 1#Top goalscorers|2007–08]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-europe-benzema-idUKL108380120090701|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629211931/http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-europe-benzema-idUKL108380120090701|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2016|title=FACTBOX-Soccer-Real Madrid signing Karim Benzema|work=Reuters|first1=Tom|last1=Pilcher|date=1 July 2009|access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref>
* [[Coupe de France]] top scorer: [[2007–08 Coupe de France|2007–08]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Classement des buteurs Coupe de France 2007–2008 – Football |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/coupe-de-france/saison-2007-2008/page-classement-individuel/buteurs |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref>
* [[UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month]]: January 2008, April 2008
* [[National Union of Professional Footballers|UNFP]] Ligue 1 [[Trophées UNFP du football#Player of the Year|Player of the Year]]: [[2007–08 Ligue 1#Player of the Year|2007–08]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/ligue-1/2007-2008/benzema-wins-award_sto1570187/story.shtml|title=Hotshot Benzema wins award|publisher=Eurosport|date=12 May 2008|access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Oscars">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/franpoy-oscar.html|title=France – Les Oscars du Football|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|first1=Erik|last1=Garin|date=20 February 2009|access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref>
* UNFP Ligue 1 [[Trophées UNFP du football#2008|Team of the Year]]: [[2007–08 Ligue 1#Team of the Year|2007–08]]<ref name="Oscars" />
* [[Trophées UNFP du football#Best French Player Playing Abroad|UNFP Best French Player Playing Abroad]]: 2019,<ref>{{cite web |date=19 May 2019 |title=Trophées UNFP: Benzema meilleur joueur français de l'étranger |url=http://www.sports.fr/football/ligue-1/articles/trophees-unfp-benzema-meilleur-joueur-francais-de-l-etranger-2476126/ |access-date=19 May 2019 |publisher=Sports.fr |language=fr}}</ref> 2021,<ref>{{cite web |date=16 May 2021 |title=Karim Benzema élu meilleur joueur français de l'étranger aux trophées UNFP |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-elu-meilleur-joueur-francais-de-l-etranger-aux-trophees-unfp/1252770 |access-date=17 May 2021 |work=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> 2022,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unfp.org/2022/05/mbappe-historique-katoto-feerique-le-tfc-plebiscite-et-benzema-forcement/|title=Mbappé, historique, Katoto, féérique, le TFC, plébiscité et Benzema... forcément !|publisher=National Union of Professional Footballers|language=fr|date=15 May 2022|access-date=15 May 2022}}</ref> 2023<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-real-madrid-elu-meilleur-francais-a-l-etranger/1399210|title=Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) élu meilleur Français à l'étranger|publisher=L'Equipe|language=fr|date=28 May 2023|access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>
* Golden Lion for the best Lyon sportsman: 2007,<ref>{{cite web |last=Brikh |first=Razik |date=25 January 2008 |title=Karim Benzema élu sportif lyonnais de l'année |url=https://www.lyoncapitale.fr/sport/karim-benzema-elu-sportif-lyonnais-de-l-annee |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=Lyon Capitale |language=fr}}</ref> 2008
* French Rookie of the Year: 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/franpoy.html|title=France – Footballer of the Year}}</ref>
* ''Étoile d'Or'': 2007–08<ref name="RSSSF">{{cite web|first1=Erik |last1=Garin |first2=José Luis |last2=Pierrend |title=France – Footballer of the Year |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=8 January 2015 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/franpoy.html |access-date=13 January 2016}}</ref>
* [[La Liga Player of the Month]]: October 2014,<ref>[http://www.lfp.es/en/news/bbva-awards-for-the-best-of-october BBVA Awards for the best of October]; LFP.es 12 November 2014</ref> June 2020,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/karim-benzema-laliga-santander-player-of-the-month-for-june|title=Karim Benzema, LaLiga Santander Player of the Month for June|publisher=La Liga|date=10 July 2020}}</ref> March 2021,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/karim-benzema-named-laliga-santander-player-of-the-month-for-march|title=Karim Benzema named LaLiga Santander Player of the Month for March|publisher=La Liga|date=2 April 2021}}</ref> September 2021,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/karim-benzema-named-laliga-santander-player-of-the-month-for-september|title=Karim Benzema named LaLiga Santander Player of the Month for September|publisher=La Liga|date=8 October 2021}}</ref> April 2022<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/karim-benzema-named-laliga-santander-player-of-the-month-for-april|title=Karim Benzema named LaLiga Santander Player of the Month for April|publisher=La Liga|date=6 May 2022}}</ref>
* [[Supercopa de España]] top scorer: [[2021–22 Supercopa de España|2021–22]], [[2022–23 Supercopa de España|2022–23]]
* Real Madrid Player of the Season (voted by supporters): [[2015–16 Real Madrid CF season|2015–16]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema, primé comme Joueur Cinq Étoiles Mahou de la saison |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/fr/actualites/2016/06/benzema-prime-comme-joueur-cinq-etoiles-mahou-de-la-saison |access-date=2 March 2022 |work=Real Madrid CF |language=fr}}</ref> [[2018–19 Real Madrid CF season|2018–19]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema reçoit le prix Mahou du joueur de la saison 2018/19 |url=https://tribuna.com/fr/news/realmadrid-2020-03-05-benzema-recoit-le-prix-mahou-du-joueur-de-la-saison-201819/ |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=Tribuna |language=fr}}</ref> [[2019–20 Real Madrid CF season|2019–20]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Karim Benzema élu meilleur joueur du Real Madrid cette saison |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-elu-meilleur-joueur-du-real-madrid-cette-saison/1156877 |date=30 July 2020 |access-date=2 March 2022 |work=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> [[2021–22 Real Madrid CF season|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema named Mahou Cinco Estrellas player of the season |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/05/25/benzema-named-mahou-cinco-estrellas-player-of-the-season |date=25 May 2022 |access-date=25 May 2022 |work=Real Madrid CF}}</ref>
* [[Diario AS|AS]] Player of the Year: 2021<ref>{{cite web |title=Benzema, Prix As du Sport 2021 |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/fr/actualites/2021/12/14/benzema-prix-as-du-sport-2021 |access-date=2 March 2022 |publisher=Real Madrid CF |language=fr}}</ref>
* [[Kicker (sports magazine)|Kicker]] Player of the Season: 2022<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/spielerumfrage-nkunku-meilenweit-vor-lewandowski-904927/artikel |title=Spielerumfrage: Nkunku meilenweit vor Lewandowski |website=[[Kicker (magazine)|Kicker]] |access-date=8 June 2022}}</ref>
* Madrid Sports Press Association Award (APDM)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/fr/actualites/2022/01/31/benzema-et-reyes-recompenses-par-lassociation-de-la-presse-sportive-de-madrid|title=Benzema et Reyes, récompensés par l'Association de la Presse Sportive de Madrid|publisher=Real Madrid CF|date=31 January 2022|language=fr}}</ref>
* [[ESM Team of the Year]]: [[European Sports Magazines#2020s|2020–21]], [[European Sports Magazines#2020s|2021–22]]
* [[L'Équipe]]'s Team of the Year: 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2021/01/04/sergio-ramos-in-the-lequipe-team-of-the-year|publisher=Real Madrid C.F.|title=Sergio Ramos, in the L'Equipe team of the year|date=4 January 2021}}</ref> 2021,<ref>{{cite web |title=L'équipe type monde en 2021 des internautes de "L'Équipe" |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/L-equipe-type-monde-en-2021-des-internautes-de-l-equipe/1308489 |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> 2022<ref>{{cite news |title=Benzema, Courtois, Modrić and Casemiro in 'L'Équipe team of 2022 |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2022/12/24/benzema-courtois-modric-and-casemiro-in-lequipe-team-of-2022 |date=24 December 2022 |access-date=11 January 2023 |publisher=Real Madrid CF}}</ref>
* [[Saudi Pro League#SPL Awards|Saudi Pro League Player of the Season]]: [[2024–25 Saudi Pro League#Annual awards|2024–25]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/750871/benzema-blanc-al-dawsari-ronaldo-honoured-at-spl-awards |title=Benzema, Blanc, Al Dawsari, Ronaldo honoured with SPL Awards |publisher=Saudi Pro League |date=29 May 2025 |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref>
* [[UEFA–CAF Meridian Cup|2005 UEFA–CAF Meridian Cup]] top scorer<ref>{{cite web |title=Football |url=https://www.20minutes.fr/lyon/45975-20050216-lyon-football |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=20 Minutes (France) |date=16 February 2005 |language=fr}}</ref>
* [[UEFA European Championship awards#Top goalscorer|UEFA European Championship Bronze Boot]]: [[UEFA Euro 2020#Awards|2020]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/026b-12bba1451d65-5786b2cf1519-1000--cristiano-ronaldo-wins-euro-2020-alipay-top-scorer-award/|title=Cristiano Ronaldo wins EURO 2020 Alipay Top Scorer award|publisher=UEFA |date=11 July 2021|access-date=11 July 2021}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* [[UEFA Nations League Finals]] Bronze Boot: [[2021 UEFA Nations League Finals#Awards|2021]]<ref name="2021 Nations League Top Scorer">{{cite news|date=10 October 2021|title=UEFA Nations League finals top scorer: Kylian Mbappé|publisher=UEFA |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/026e-137297f2e715-0d7aed764ef3-1000/|access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref>
* UEFA Nations League Finals Goal of the Tournament: [[2021 UEFA Nations League Finals#Awards|2021]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mose|first=Dickson|date=14 October 2021|title=Revealed: UEFA Nations League goal of the tournament|url=https://futaa.com/article/228054/revealed-uefa-nations-league-goal-of-the-tournament|access-date=3 November 2021|website=Futaa|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021045544/https://futaa.com/article/228054/revealed-uefa-nations-league-goal-of-the-tournament|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''Record'''
* Member of [[Guinness World Records]] 2021: Player with the most consecutive seasons in the UEFA Champions League (qualified for and played in the competition without interruption since [[2005–06 UEFA Champions League|2005]])

==See also==
* [[List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{FFF player}}
* {{UEFA player}}
* {{FIFA player}}

{{Al-Ittihad squad}}
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{{France squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
{{France squad UEFA Euro 2012}}
{{France squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{France squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
{{France squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
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{{2007–08 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{FIFA Club World Cup winning captains}}
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{{UEFA Champions League top scorers}}
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{{Ballon d'Or recipients}}
{{UEFA Men's Player of the Year}}
{{Onze Mondial European Footballer of the Year}}
{{Globe Soccer Awards best Player}}
{{France Football French Player of the Year}}
{{Ligue 1 Player of the Year}}
{{UEFA Champions League Player of the Season}}
{{Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano}}
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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Benzema, Karim}}
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Lyon]]
[[Category:French men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Olympique Lyonnais players]]
[[Category:Real Madrid CF players]]
[[Category:Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah) players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
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[[Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League top scorers]]
[[Category:France men's youth international footballers]]
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[[Category:France men's international footballers]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2008 players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players]]
[[Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Nations League–winning players]]
[[Category:Ballon d'Or winners]]
[[Category:Pichichi Trophy winners]]
[[Category:French expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:French Muslims]]
[[Category:French sportspeople of Algerian descent]]
[[Category:French people of Kabyle descent]]
[[Category:21st-century French sportsmen]]