Top quotes on Karim Benzema

As one of the main strikers for the Spanish football team Real Madrid, Benzema was one of the main protagonists as the side won the recent Champions League competition. A stalwart at the Bernabeu since 2009, we take a look at some of the top quotes on Karim Benzema.

Born in France to Algerian parents, Benzema has so far won a magnificent 22 trophies with ‘Los Blancos’ in only 13 seasons.

Beginning his senior career with hometown club Olympique Lyon, he was honoured with instant success with four Ligue 1 French titles in his first four seasons there. Upon joining Real Madrid, Benzema has played alongside a whole host of stars, including Ronaldo, Raul, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo. With four La Liga titles and five Champions League triumphs, he is one of the most successful players in the top flight of Spanish football.

During his time at Real, he has netted a total of 219 league goals in 415 matches, and is the club’s joint second highest goal scorer with 323, and the one with the most assists.  

With three European Championship appearances and one World Cup in 2014, his 94 internationals has produced 36 goals so far for the team. He tasted success with the French team in the 2021 Nations League scoring both times in the semi-final and the final.

He soon became the French all-time top goal scorer in history, breaking Thierry Henry’s record, and also the most successful French footballer in terms of trophies acquired. The recent Champions League success saw him net 15 times in the competition.  

“Benzema deserves full credit for his transformation. He had some help from me…..but he deserves the credit.”
Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid manager)

“They have the miraculous Karim Benzema, whom I have said many times is one of the most underrated players in the history of football.”
Aleksander Ceferin (UEFA President)

“(Benzema) is at the peak of his powers…..absolutely sublime…..”
L’Equipe (French newspaper)

“A key part of Benzema’s game is his ability to come short…..Benzema’s been doing it for longer…..He knows where the goal is, doesn’t have to look. It’s about finding space, taking a touch and then the finish,”
Alan Shearer (former England striker)

“For what he’s doing and for what he’s done, he has to be in the list of possible winners…..Saying that, Karim’s got time to win it. I somehow doubt this is his final season. He’s like a fine wine; the older he gets the better he is.”
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid manager on Ballon d’Or nomination)

“Benzema’s finishing is sublime…..”
“…..the most complete striker I faced”
Rio Ferdinand

“Benzema is staggering, he oozes class…..”
Michael Owen

“Benzema is quality…..”
Virgil Van Dijk

“…..how he plays and deserves every success.”
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid team-mate)

“I think he’s fantastic, I think he’s the most underrated No.9. I’ve watched him live loads of times and he’s a clever football player…..He just seems to know where he needs to be at the right time. For Real Madrid this season, he’s been sensational. He is just so desirable. When you watch him, he is brilliant. Do you know what he does? Goalscoring, he’s unbelievable.”
Alan McInally (former Bayern Munich striker)

“…..a talented player and talented players in Madrid must win.”
Zinedine Zidane

“…..Benzema must understand that he is extremely talented…..”
Jose Mourinho

“I don’t have to worry for him, I am sure that he has the ability to succeed. When you come to a big club, there has to be a period of adaptation, talent is not always enough.”
Zinedine Zidane

“…..the best striker in the world…..I think so, because to his game he’s added a massive, regular ability to put the ball in the back of the net…..Benzema is a player who makes a difference.”
Carlo Ancelotti

“His power is reminiscent of Ronaldo…..The stepovers and speed at which he runs with the ball is like Ronaldinho.”
Jean-Pierre Papin

“He reminds me a bit of Steven Gerrard – not the way he plays but because of his character and background. Karim, like Steven, will be among the world’s top 50 players one day.”
Gerard Houllier (former Lyon manager)

“…..he is really strong and a huge talent. It is important not to build him up too much but, after Zidane, he could go on to be one of the greatest French players.”
Patrice Evra (France team-mate)

“Karim Benzema is having his best run since he arrived at the club…..He isn’t just a goalscorer; he understands football, knows how to connect with his teammates, is very resourceful, knows how to play with his back to goal, likes quick passes and also happens to score many strikes at the moment.”
Emilio Butragueno (Real Madrid director)