From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Karim Benzema |
| Personal information |
| Full name |
Karim Benzema |
| Date of birth |
December 19, 1987 (1987-12-19) (age 20) |
| Place of birth |
Lyon, France |
| Height |
1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) |
| Playing position |
Striker |
| Club information |
| Current club |
Olympique Lyonnais |
| Number |
10 |
| Youth clubs |
1995–1996
1996–2004 |
Bron Terraillon
Olympique Lyonnais |
| Senior clubs1 |
| Years |
Club |
App (Gls)* |
| 2004– |
Olympique Lyonnais |
76 (26) |
| National team2 |
| 2007– |
France |
12 0(3) |
|
1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of May 18, 2008.
2 National team caps and goals correct
as of June 9, 2008.
* Appearances (Goals)
|
Karim Benzema (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.
[edit] 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.[1] After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France.[2] He was recently voted the best player in France with fellow Lyon colleague Hatem Ben Arfa voted the best young player.[citation needed]
[edit] 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.
[edit] Honors
[edit] References
[edit] External links
