Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer who plays as a striker for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and Real Madrid legend recently made headlines by leaving Al Ittihad to join league leaders Al Hilal in February 2026, setting the stage for a new rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of modern football. From his record-breaking years at Real Madrid to his current chapter in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema’s journey continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Karim Benzema Career Stats and Records (Updated 2026)
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Quick Facts
- Full Name: Karim Mostafa Benzema
- Born: December 19, 1987 (Lyon, France)
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position: Striker
- Current Club (2026): Al Hilal (Saudi Pro League)
- Former Clubs: Real Madrid, Olympique Lyonnais, Al Ittihad
- Major Honors: 5× UEFA Champions League, 4× La Liga, 2022 Ballon d’Or
In 2026, Benzema left Al Ittihad after a fallout over contract renewal terms. Reports revealed the club wanted him to play for free, relying only on image rights—a proposal he found “humiliating.”
He signed with Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most successful club, coached by Simone Inzaghi. This move strengthens Al Hilal’s title charge and intensifies the rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Karim Benzema Career Stats Highlights
- Real Madrid: 439 La Liga matches, 238 goals, 110 assists.
- UEFA Champions League: 152 matches, 90 goals, 30 assists.
- Saudi Pro League (Al Ittihad + Al Hilal): 50 matches, 30 goals, 16 assists.
- France National Team: 97 caps, 37 goals.
- Total Career: Over 500 goals for club and country, with 1,000+ official appearances.
Karim Benzema Career Stats 2026
| Season / Club | Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 – Al Hilal | Saudi Pro League | 34 | 25 | 5 | 2,776 |
| 2025/26 – Al Ittihad | Saudi Pro League | 21 | 16 | 4 | 1,113 |
| 2024/25 – Al Ittihad | Saudi Pro League | 33 | 25 | 9 | 2,114 |
| 2023/24 – Al Ittihad | Saudi Pro League | 33 | 16 | 10 | 2,171 |
| 2022/23 – Real Madrid | La Liga + UCL + Cups | 43 | 31 | 6 | 2,117 |
| Career Totals | All Competitions | 858 | 458 | 197 | 62,595 |
Legacy & Impact: One of Football’s Greatest Strikers
- Real Madrid Icon: Second-highest scorer in club history (behind Cristiano Ronaldo) with over 350 goals.
- Champions League Records: All-time top French scorer and assist provider in the competition.
- Longevity: One of the few players with 1,000+ official appearances in football history.
How much does Karim Benzema earn in 2026?
Karim Benzema Net Worth – $200 Million | Karim Benzema’s Salary – $104 million
The French striker moved to Saudi Arabia and signed a massive deal with Al Hilal. His earnings there, combined with his successful career at Real Madrid, have pushed his net worth to around $200 million. Benzema continues to earn well from endorsements and remains one of the smartest businessmen among top players.
Why Karim Benzema not inclusded in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Karim Benzema was not included in France’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad because Didier Deschamps prioritized youth, team balance, and cohesion over veteran experience. Despite Benzema’s form in Saudi Arabia, Deschamps explained that the squad was built around Kylian Mbappé’s leadership and younger attacking options.
Deschamps stated: “It’s a squad, not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together.”
- Benzema is 38 years old in 2026.
- Deschamps opted for a younger forward line led by Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue.
- The coach emphasized building a squad for the future rather than relying on veterans.
Who is Karim Benzema?
Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer, born on December 19, 1987 in Lyon, France, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. He currently plays for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Which club does Karim Benzema play for in 2026?
As of February 2026, Benzema signed with Al Hilal, leaving Al Ittihad after a contract dispute. His move is considered one of the most significant transfers in Saudi Pro League history.
Why did Benzema leave Al Ittihad?
Benzema left Al Ittihad after rejecting a renewal offer that reportedly asked him to play for free, relying only on image rights. He described the proposal as “humiliating” and chose Al Hilal for respect and competitive ambition.
How many goals has Benzema scored in his career?
Benzema has scored over 500 career goals for club and country. He is Real Madrid’s second-highest scorer (behind Cristiano Ronaldo) and the all-time French top scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
What are Benzema’s achievements at Real Madrid?
During his 14 years at Real Madrid, Benzema won 25 trophies, including 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 4 La Liga titles, and the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
How did Benzema perform at Al Ittihad?
At Al Ittihad, Benzema scored 54 goals and 17 assists in 83 matches, averaging 0.85 goal contributions per game. He also won the Saudi Pro League Player of the Season (2024–25).
What is Benzema’s jersey number at Al Hilal?
Benzema wears the number 90 jersey at Al Hilal.
Will Benzema return to Lyon?
No. Benzema has ruled out a comeback to Olympique Lyonnais as a player, but he is open to a future coaching role, especially with youth teams, after retirement.
How long is Benzema’s contract with Al Hilal?
Benzema’s current contract with Al Hilal runs until 2027, keeping him in Saudi Arabia for the foreseeable future.
Is Benzema in France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup?
Karim Benzema is not part of France’s official 26‑man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Didier Deschamps left him out along with other veterans such as Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and Kingsley Coman.
