Karim Benzema Bio

One of the hottest young prospects in the game, Benzema, despite his tender age, has already received world-wide praise for his performances in the French Ligue 1 and for France on the international stage.

Of Algerian descent, Benzema has been likened to Zinedine Zidane, although plays in more of a striking role where he is able to use his pace, skill and power to penetrate opposition defences.
A "pure product" of the Olympique Lyonnais system, having been born in Lyon, he came through the youth ranks and began his career at the top level aged just 16.

On the international scene, he got his first taste of youth internationals in 2003-04 with the France U-16s. But the next season he really made an impression as he helped the French side to U-17 European Championship glory, scoring 14 goals in the process.

Making just five Ligue 1 starts in his first two seasons, the striker took time to make his mark; but broke into the first team in 2006-07 and hit five goals from 13 starts, picking up his first league winners' medal.

That season he got his first call-up to the full France side, shunning interest from Algeria, and scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Austria.

Domestically, then-boss Alain Perrin had seen his potential during his one season at the club and made sure than Benzema was given further chance to impress in 2007-08. He did so, netting 21 goals in 33 games and was then called up to the Euro 2008 squad, taking over the #10 shirt from the retired Zidane - although the side finished bottom of their group.

His versatility had proved a useful asset for Lyon under Gerard Houllier, as he was able to play on either of the flanks; but in his favoured position as a lone striker he continued his success with France's top team. Indeed, he extended his contract until 2013 with a reported buyout clause of €100m inserted, becoming one of the highest paid footballers in France.

However, just a few months later, Lyon announced they had received a €35m (£29.1m) bid from Real Madrid for his services, which they accepted and the striker moved to the Bernabeu on July 1, 2009.

His youth, as well as his exceptional talent have made him one of Europe's finest prospects and, as he continues to develop among the world's best, he will surely blossom into a world-class striker.