Karim Benzema

Football player infobox

playername = Karim Benzema


fullname = Karim Benzema
height = height|m=1.85 [cite web |url=http://www.olweb.fr/index.php?lng=en&j=1089&pid=201002|title=Benzema Profile ]
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1987|12|19
cityofbirth = Lyon
countryofbirth = France
currentclub = Olympique Lyonnais
clubnumber = 10
position = Striker
youthyears = 1995–1996
1996–2004
youthclubs = Bron Terraillon
Olympique Lyonnais
years = 2004–
clubs = Olympique Lyonnais
caps(goals) = 83 (32)
nationalyears = 2007–
nationalteam = France
nationalcaps(goals) = 16 0(4)
pcupdate = August 31 2008
ntupdate = September 27 2008

Karim Benzema كريم بن زيما (born December 19, 1987 in Lyon, Rhône-Alpes) is a French footballer of Algerian-Kabyle descent who plays in a forward role for Olympique Lyonnais.

Club career

A product of the Olympique Lyonnais youth academy, he is very capable of playing as the main striker in Lyon's preferred 4-3-3 formation, but he can also play on both wings. In the 2006-07 season, after forming an understanding with new manager Alain Perrin, he was given the central role in which he responded with 24 goals in 37 games. On March 13, 2008, Benzema extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a 1 year extension option. [ [http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=516330&cc=5901 ESPNsoccernet - Europe - Benzema extends Lyon contract until 2013 ] ] After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France. [ [http://en.afrik.com/article12840.html Benzema becomes one of the highest paid footballers in France : He is sticking to his club until 2013 - Football - Sport competitions - France - International - Africa ] ] He was recently voted the best player in France, while ex-Lyon colleague Hatem Ben Arfa was voted the best young player. [ [http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11800_3555834,00.html Benzema lands Ligue 1 award] ]

After getting off to a strong start to the 2008-2009 season, netting six goals in his team's first five matches, Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas has quelled the many transfer rumors surrounding Benzema by placing a €100 million price tag on the striker.

In October 2008 rumours surfaced that Spanish giants Real Madrid were set to bid €100 million for the Lyon hitman. Benzema, being a lifelong Real Madrid fan has stated in the past that his ideal move would be to Real Madrid. Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas says only Benzema can negotiate his departure to the Spanish champions.

Career statistics

Correct as of September 28 2008 [ [http://frenchleague.com/joueur/index.asp?no_joueur=107901 Benzema Stats] Retrieved on September 28 2008]

International career

On March 28, 2007, Benzema won his first cap for France against Austria, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win for France. His next two goals came in one game against the Faroe Islands, who France subsequently beat 6-0. He was selected to represent France at Euro 2008. France's Euro 2008 campaign got off to a bad start with a 0-0 draw against Romania and after a muted performance, he was substituted in the second half and played no part in their following game, a 4-1 defeat to The Netherlands. In the last group game France played Italy and Benzema featured in the starting lineup.

Honours

* "'Ligue 1 :
** 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08
* Trophée Des Champions
**2006, 2007
* Peace Cup:
**2007
* Coupe de France:
**2008
* Ligue 1 Top Goalscorer:
**2007-08
* Ligue 1 Player of the Year:
**2007-08
* Ligue 1 Team of the Year:
**2007-08

Trivia

* He was nominated alongside Franck Ribéry and Wayne Rooney to be featured on the cover of the upcoming game, FIFA 09.

References

External links

*lfpfr|107901
* [http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=484559 Goal.com profile]
*