Karim Benzema

Mbappe's Real Madrid problem is he's not a number nine: Benzema

Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes Kylian Mbappe must learn to play as a central striker in the Spanish capital because he cannot displace Vinicius Junior on the left wing.

Benzema sets record in Saudi Super-Cup semifinal win

Benzema pounced on a poor clearance to fire home from close range after 55 seconds and break Al Fateh striker Doris Salomo Fuakuputu's record set in the first final in 2013.

Benzema wants to ‘temporarily’ leave Saudi club: reports

Al-Ittihad offered to loan the French striker to another club in the Saudi Pro League but he has refused, the source added.

Benzema files defamation complaint against French minister

Darmanin, a tough-talking right-winger with designs on the French presidency, criticised Benzema after the former France striker and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner posted on X (formerly Twitter) in mid-October in support of the inhabitants of Gaza, who, he claimed, were victims of "unjust bombardments" carried out by Israel in retaliation for the bloody Hamas attack of October 7.

Knives out as Benzema slumps in Saudi

When Karim Benzema joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad this year on a lucrative deal, a comfortable pre-retirement stint seemed assured for the Ballon d'Or winner.

Club World Cup / Benzema on target as Al Ittihad move into 2nd round

Brazilian Romarinho, N'Golo Kante and Benzema scored in the first half to book their team's place in the second round.

Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia's football project

Karim Benzema was lured by Saudi Arabia's "huge project" and the fact it is a Muslim country when he decided to end a trophy-laden stint with Real Madrid to move to Al-Ittihad, the French striker said on Wednesday.

Nuno rubbishes reports of row with Benzema

Saudi media reported that Ballon d'Or winner Benzema, who did not score in their first two league matches, was annoyed with the way the Portuguese coach had treated him

The stars signing up for Saudi's football project

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in January to play for Riyadh-based Al-Nassr is what first drew global attention to ongoing efforts to boost the Saudi Pro League.

September 17, 2022
September 17, 2022

Benzema out of Madrid derby

Real Madrid will be without striker Karim Benzema for the Madrid derby clash with rivals Atletico Madrid, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Saturday.

August 25, 2022
August 25, 2022

Benzema and Putellas win UEFA player of the year prizes

Karim Benzema and Alexia Putellas were rewarded for outstanding seasons by winning the UEFA men's and women's player of the year prizes at a ceremony in Istanbul on Thursday.

August 21, 2022
August 21, 2022

Modric pulls the strings as Real breeze past Celta 

Modric pulls the strings as Real breeze past Celta Champions Real Madrid got their second consecutive win of the new LaLiga season with a comfortable 4-1 victory at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

August 12, 2022
August 12, 2022

Benzema headlines UEFA awards shortlist

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne are in the running for UEFA's 2021-22 men's player of the year award after topping a 15-player shortlist, European soccer's governing body said on Friday.

August 11, 2022
August 11, 2022

'Benzema is going for the Ballon d'Or award'

Champions League winners Real Madrid outclassed Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 on Wednesday to clinch the UEFA Super Cup for a record-equalling fifth time and kick off their season with a trophy.

July 31, 2022
July 31, 2022

Benzema, Asensio on target as Real down Juve 2-0

Karim Benzema converted an early penalty and Marco Asensio added a second-half insurance goal as Real Madrid beat Juventus 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at California's Rose Bowl on Saturday.

July 22, 2022
July 22, 2022

Never an exhibition: Real, Barca set to clash in pre-season Clasico

Barcelona take on Real Madrid in a pre-season Clasico friendly in Las Vegas on Saturday that promises to offer a glimpse into the future of the Spanish giants' iconic rivalry.

June 1, 2022
June 1, 2022

France warm up for World Cup by defending Nations League crown

Real Madrid's victory in the Champions League final on Saturday did not quite bring the curtain down on the football season in Europe, with the action continuing into June as France begin their defence of the UEFA Nations League title.

May 31, 2022
May 31, 2022

Messi tips Benzema for 'deserved' Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid's France star Karim Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, according to seven-time laureate Lionel Messi.

May 28, 2022
May 28, 2022

Liverpool v Real Madrid Champions League final starting line-ups

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was able to name influential midfielders Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara in his side for Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid after the pair recovered from muscle injuries.