Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema, the French football sensation, has carved his name into the world of football with his undeniable skills, versatility, and a career that speaks volumes. With a whopping $200 million net worth, the former Real Madrid superstar has scored big both on and off the field. Let’s explore how this football icon earns, spends, and invests his millions. 

What Is Karim Benzema’s Net Worth?

As of 2024, Karim Benzema has amassed a staggering net worth of $200 million.

The majority of Benema’s wealth is thanks to his 20-year football career and thanks to his immense contract at Al-Ittihad. In June 2023, Benzema signed a 2-year contract worth a mouth-watering $436 million. This means that he’s set to earn around $218 million per season. This is $4 million more than what his former Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo is making at Al Nassr.

Compared to this, Benzema’s salary during his last two seasons at Madrid was around $26, which is almost 10 times less than what he’s making now. However, there were some reports early this year that he’s facing some difficulties in receiving his mammoth salary. 
Off the pitch, Benzema earns around $4-6 million a year thanks to his sponsorships with companies like Adidas and Fendi Faster.

What Is Karim Benzema’s Claim To Fame?

Benzema’s rise in football began in Lyon's youth academy, where he quickly became a standout. 

• Move to Real Madrid: His rising stardom in Ligue 1 garnered the attention of Spanish giants Real Madrid, who signed him in the summer of 2009 for a whopping $38 million. Benzema was the third big signing for Madrid that summer, behind Ballon d’Or winners, Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo. He would spend 14 years with the team, break the record for most appearances for a foreign player, win 25 trophies, and become the second-highest goalscorer for the club.
• Legendary 2021–22 season: With Sergio Ramos' departure to PSG, Karim Benzema was promoted to vice-captain of Real Madrid for the 2021–22 season under Carlo Ancelotti. His first hat trick in three years came in a thrilling 5-2 win over Celta Vigo, as Madrid returned to the Bernabeu after a long hiatus. Benzema also became the first player to score in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons. The milestones kept coming and he scored Madrid’s 1,000th Champions League goal, becoming the club’s fourth all-time top scorer. By January 2022, he had scored his 300th goal for the club. 
• One of his most memorable moments came in March 2022, when he netted a hat-trick in 17 minutes to lead a comeback against PSG, becoming the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick. Another hat-trick against Chelsea in the quarter-finals further solidified his legacy. His Champions League campaign ended with 15 goals and a fifth title.

He also helped Real Madrid secure their 35th La Liga title and his first Pichichi Trophy, finishing as the top scorer with 27 goals. 

• Ballon d’Or 2022: In 2022, Benzema’s incredible form, both domestically and in Europe, culminated in him winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or and joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as one of three Real Madrid players to win the Ballon d’Or in the last 15-years. That win cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
• Series of legal controversies: In 2010, Benzema was reportedly involved in a prostitution ring with underage individuals. Though initially accused, the charges were dropped in 2014 due to insufficient evidence that he knew the escort was underage. Just after a year, he was arrested for allegedly blackmailing teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape. After lengthy legal proceedings, he was found guilty in 2021 and received a one-year suspended sentence and a fine. 
• Feud with Olivier Giroud: In 2020, during an Instagram livestream, the player made a controversial comparison between himself and Olivier Giroud, calling Giroud "karting" and referring to himself as "Formula 1." Tensions flared once more in 2023 when French coach Didier Deschamps claimed Benzema chose to leave the team during the 2022 World Cup due to injury. Benzema hit back on social media, calling Deschamps a liar.

What Are Karim Benzema’s Notable Businesses And Investments? 

Karim may have invested in various business ventures, but most of the details are still unknown to the public. 

• Trendex: The Ballon d'Or winner has been an investor and ambassador for Trendex since April 2023. As a brand ambassador, he works with the company’s founders to showcase how the platform helps identify, fund, and support emerging talents with exceptional potential. This marks Benzema’s first startup investment. Reflecting on his decision, Benzema said, "It's an exciting challenge I'm eager to take on." 

What Are Karim Benzema’s Notable Endorsements?

Karim has a significant portfolio of endorsements. Some of them are listed below - 

• Adidas: Adidas has always been a favorite brand for Karim. In 2007, the football sensation first signed a contract with this brand and recently, Adidas celebrated their iconic partnership by unveiling a hyper-limited, not-for-sale golden edition of the X Speedportal. The company also launched a golden collection worthy of the Golden Ball champion. In addition to the collection, Adidas released a captivating short film titled Hand of Gold, which showcased Benzema’s extraordinary rise to the top. The film, released after his Ballon d’Or win, tells the player’s inspiring story who defied the odds with grit and determination to rise to the top of world football. Since his professional debut in 2005, Benzema has relentlessly pursued the highest honors in the game, emerging as one of the most decorated players of his generation. His signature white hand bandage has now become a symbol of resilience and triumph that truly embodies Adidas’ slogan, “Impossible Is Nothing”.To further celebrate, they released a limited-edition Real Madrid jersey featuring golden lettering and a standout number 9, crafted entirely in gold. 
• Hyundai: Benzema signed a sponsorship deal with the South Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai. During the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament, the brand signed up five international football stars, Iker Casillas, Lukas Podolski, Giuseppe Rossi, Karim Benzema, and Daniel Sturridge, as brand ambassadors and called them Team Hyundai. With this team, Hyundai launched an innovative Facebook campaign that allowed fans to "like" their favorite Team Hyundai player. For every "like," Hyundai pledged to donate $1.09 to support young players in their journey to become future football stars. The goal was to raise a total of €250,000 (271,000 USD). 
• Electronic Arts: The striker was chosen as an ambassador for this brand for the FIFA series. 
• SFR and BuzzMobile: Starting in September 2012, Benzema became the face of BuzzMobile, leading a wave of exciting advertising campaigns and exclusive events for the operator's customers. As part of their campaign, some lucky BuzzMobile users had the chance to meet the footballer in person, score tickets to the French team and Real Madrid matches, and even win signed jerseys and balls. 
• Fendi Faster: In 2022, Benzema was named the official ambassador for Fendi’s Faster sneaker line. In the latest campaign, the 34-year-old striker posed confidently in the new Fendi Faster sneakers, showcasing the black, light blue, and beige colorways. With four distinct options, red, black, beige, and white, the brand distinguished itself in the crowded sneaker market by achieving a delicate balance between style and function.

How Does Karim Benzema Spend His Millions? 

Benzema likes to spend his millions strategically through various high-yield investments, such as real estate holdings. He also loves to spend money on luxurious cars and watches. 

How Many Real Estate Properties Does Karim Benzema Own?

Karim owns multiple designer houses, worth over $10 million, in Madrid and his hometown Lyon. Some of his possessions include:

• Ciudalcampo house: The home is about 4,000 square feet in size and features more than three bedrooms and two bathrooms. This opulent residence also has a large number of beautiful glass windows. Apart from this, there is a chef's dream kitchen with multiple premium appliances. 

  This luxury home in San Sebastian de los Reyes was all over the news due to a robbery issue. According to the Spanish outlet 20 Minutos, the burglars entered through his garden during the 2-2 draw. Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the break-in. 

  Sadly, this isn't the first time Benzema's home has been hit. Back in February 2019, his house was also raided while he played in Real’s 3-0 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final. 

• Miami mansion: The footballer has a beautiful and vast mansion in Miami, boasting a lawn, swimming pool, and a spacious garden. The yellow interior with a vintage design is eye-catching.
  Some reports suggest the estimated value of his Spain and France house is around $2.7M. 

How Big Is Karim Benzema's Watch Collection? 

Like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, he also has a taste for finer things like watches. Based on the current market value of the timepieces, he possesses thirteen pieces valued at approximately $5 million. 

How Big Is Karim Benzema's Car Collection?

Benzema's love for cars began early, with his very first ride being a Mini Cooper S, bought from a friend. His first major purchase was a BMW M6, which he personally requested from the brand’s top executive. A true car enthusiast since childhood, his passion for fast cars has only grown stronger, now boasting a jaw-dropping collection valued at over $10 million.

• Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63: This is among the "cheaper" cars in Benzema’s collection which was added in 2017. 
• Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang: Perhaps the crown jewel of Benzema’s collection, the Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang is one of only five ever produced, and Benzema is lucky enough to own one. 
• Lamborghini Aventador: Benzema’s collection wouldn’t be complete without a Lamborghini, and the red Aventador doesn't disappoint. 
• Ferrari 488 Pista: Benzema’s penchant for Italian supercars extends to Ferrari. This eye-catching violet car with white stripes is one of his favorites as he is often seen posing with it on social media. 
  If you want to indulge yourself in Benzema's luxurious car collection, click here. 

What Are Karim Benzema's Charitable Contributions?

Karim has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives throughout his career. 

• CharityStars: Benzema’s biggest charity work is with CharityStars, a venture that allows players to sell their own memorabilia. The proceeds from the auction of items signed by Karim support the Real Madrid Foundation's social sports projects. 

Apart from this, he is also involved in various educational as well as social campaigning. But, none of the details are publicized. 

What's Next For Karim Benzema?

Karim Benzema recently shared his post-retirement plans in an interview with Sony Sports Network. He revealed his desire to stay in Saudi Arabia and contribute to the development of football after hanging up his boots. 
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Benzema expressed confidence: "I’ve done everything to strengthen the team. Now, we fight together for trophies.”

Also Read:

• Cristiano Ronaldo's Net Worth
• Lionel Messi's Net Worth
• Neymar Jr.'s Net Worth