Karim Benzema
From Tekken City
| Karim Benzema | |
|---|---|
| No picture available | |
| Birthplace | Lyon, France 
|
| Squad Number | 10 |
| Birth Date | December 19, 1987 (21) |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Previous Clubs | Olympique Lyonnais (NED) Tekken City (ENG) |
| W.A.G | Unknown |
Karim Benzema (born December 19, 1987 in Lyon, Rhône-Alpes) is a French footballer who plays as a striker for Tekken City and the France national team.
Olympique Lyonnais
Of Algerian Berber descent, Benzema was a product of the Olympique Lyonnais Academy, he played as a striker in Lyon's preferred 4-3-3 formation, but could also play on both wings. In the 2006-07 season, after forming special relationship with new manager Alain Perrin, he was given the first team 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. After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France. He was recently voted the best player in France, while ex-Lyon colleague Hatem Ben Arfa was voted the best young player.
2008/09 Season
After getting off to a tender start to the 2008-2009 season, netting six goals in his team's first five matches, Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas had quelled the many transfer rumors surrounding Benzema during the January transfer window by placing a €100 million price tag on the striker. However, Benzema had declared that his personal goal was to play for Real Madrid.
Tekken City
Astonishingly, on transfer deadline day February 2, 2009, Lyon agreed to sell Benzema to Tekken City after they had agreed a £25 million deal for the player. As a result of the switch, Turkish striker, Serdal Tatar would head in the opposite direction on a loan until the end of the season, as part of the deal, with a view to the French champions signing him on a permanent basis.
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. He has now adopted the number 9 for France. He scored his last goal for France against Tunisia in a friendly where they won 3-1.
Honors
- 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
