Karim Benzema added an illustrious Ballon d'Or title to his cabinet in 2022, having achieved nearly everything in his career thus far. However, the dream of lifting the World Cup with France eluded him after he was injured a few days before the tournament started in Qatar but goals scored by Benzema for Real Madrid was a plenty.
France went on to lose the final against Argentina on penalties and Benzema, who was not replaced in the squad and was rumoured to be fit for the knockout clashes, announced his retirement from international football on December 19.
Karim Benzema and Santiago Bernabéu. The last dance after 354 goals and 165 assists. ⚪️✨ #RealMadrid
…Karim will travel to Saudi very soon.
End of an era. pic.twitter.com/862eejhUIZ— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2023
He has been a constant presence for Real Madrid for over a decade, but he has not always been the dominant force at the Santiago Bernabeu as he spent a large chunk of his career in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Known for his exceptional work-rate, potent finishing and playmaking, the Frenchman sacrificed his own attacking returns for many seasons to be an amazing provider for the Portuguese star, who garnered all the media attention.
Goals scored by Benzema for Real Madrid:
In 2009, Benzema joined Real Madrid for a transfer fee of €35 million, rising to €41 million based on add-ons.
However, he had a rough start at his new club as he scored just nine in 33 appearances in his debut season.
He eventually came good, though, and following Gareth Bale's then-record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, Bale, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo forged one of Europe's most fearsome attacking trios, dubbed the BBC.
However, the French star's selfless contributions, work ethic, and ability to creating plays and spaces for others to exploit seemingly went unnoticed at times.
Now that Ronaldo has left the Santiago Bernabeu, however, Benzema is finally thriving more and getting the spotlight he deserves.
Now we see the number of goals scored by Benzema for Real Madrid:
Season | Games | Goals |
---|---|---|
2022-23 | 43 | 31 |
2021-22 | 46 | 44 |
2020-21 | 46 | 30 |
2019-20 | 48 | 27 |
2018-19 | 53 | 30 |
2017-18 | 47 | 12 |
2016-17 | 48 | 19 |
2015-16 | 36 | 28 |
2014-15 | 46 | 22 |
2013-14 | 52 | 24 |
2012-13 | 50 | 20 |
2011-12 | 52 | 32 |
2010-11 | 48 | 26 |
2009-10 | 33 | 9 |
Total | 648 | 354 |