Karim Benzema is one of the best footballers on the planet. Despite all the success (and a little controversy) for both Real Madrid and defending World Champions France, the French-Algerian striker is now in the twilight of his career and arguably better than ever.
It took 18 minutes in the biggest game of the season for Karim Benzema to remind everyone why both himself and his team, Real Madrid, are still the real deal. Trailing Paris Saint-Germain by two goals, Benzema—with the the captain’s armband strapped to his left bicep—took the game (and Real Madrid’s season) by the scruff of the neck, hitting a rapid fire, second half hat-trick to send his team through to the next stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
The fans and players of PSG—many people’s favourites to win the tournament—were left inconsolable.
But for the raucous crowd filling the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in the Spanish capital, the 34-year-old Benzema was the centre of attention of their affections. The record-setting French striker returning to the kind of devastating form that he hopes will help return Benzema’s club (and country) to the pinnacle of the sport.
Karim Benzema’s interview with Esquire Middle East:
ESQ: You are fresh off a remarkable performance against PSG in the Champions League. How important is a victory like that for the players, the fans and the club?
Karim Benzema: It is a real pride. In these moments, Real Madrid has always had the strength to show performances of such a big level, the victories are not only important for the club but they’re also important for our fans and for us, the players.
ESQ: You have a reputation for being a ‘big game player’. What is it about playing in important matches that brings out the best in you?
Benzema: As a footballer, all the games are important, but as soon as we have a very important game, like the one against PSG, you feel different. I mean, you dream to play this kind of game, where everyone is waiting for you to give the best version of yourself. But ultimately the objective is to excel and succeed no matter the team we are playing against.
ESQ: At 34, you are arguably in the best form of your career. Are you enjoying life at the moment?
Benzema: Like every year, I am grateful for everything that happens in my life. I just try to do my job and enjoy my life to the fullest.
ESQ: On the field, it has been a record-setting year for you in many ways. What do you think has been the secret to this?
Benzema: Records come because of all the hard work you do and with the perseverance you have. There is no secret, except working hard and being constant in your efforts.
ESQ: You have achieved so much. Are you still hungry?
Benzema: Football is my passion. So, as long as I love football, and it remains my passion, I will be motivated by it. The day that football will no longer be my passion I will stop… and that is what motivates me the most in this industry.
ESQ: Does the added pressure of being one of the leaders of the team drive you to play better?
Benzema: Playing when everyone is expecting something from you does put on an extra pressure, because you don’t want to disappoint the others. But, for myself, I only get positive things out of it and I try to give the best of myself and always try to be the best version of myself. That’s also what keeps me motivated.
ESQ: Ramadan is coming up. What impact does that have on your routine, schedule and training regime?
Benzema: No impact, Ramadan is part of my life and my religion makes Ramadan an obligation. For me, it’s very important and I feel good when I’m fasting.
ESQ: It is also a time for gratitude. What are you grateful for?
Benzema: I am grateful for being in good health.
“Ramadan is part of my life and my religion makes Ramadan an obligation. For me, it’s very important and I feel good when I’m fasting.”
– Karim Benzema
ESQ: What does it mean to you to have achieved so much at a club like Real Madrid?Benzema: Even if I don’t plan to stop yet, it’s important for my career, and for me personally, to play in such an amazing club. I will do my all to contribute to the victories of Real Madrid.
ESQ: Compared to other Real Madrid teams you have played in, how good is this current one?
Benzema: Every team I’ve been in had great players. But every year there are changes, so every team is different.
ESQ: You have been coached by some of the very best. Who is the best manager that you have played under, and why?
Benzema: I can’t say that there is one coach better than another one, but I enjoyed being coached by [Jose] Mourinho at the beginning of my career, [Carlo] Ancelotti afterwards and then, the class of the class, was with Zizou [Zinedine Zidane]!
ESQ: Explain to us what it felt like to return to the French team at Euro 2020, and be able to score important goals?
Benzema: It is a real pride for me and I am happy. There is a good adaptation, the level is very high and that’s what I like. Now I want to win a trophy with the French team.
ESQ: With the World Cup coming up in Qatar, how do you fancy France’s chances at retaining the trophy?
Benzema: It’s not a matter of having good or bad luck. Being favourite on paper and on the field is totally different. For the moment, I don’t know if I will be selected but in any case, playing at the tournament would be a dream for me.
ESQ: As a striker who has scored so many goals, do you expect yourself to score every game? Are you disappointed if you don’t?
Benzema: Not disappointed no, not at all, the goal of a game is to win with your team. As long as I am satisfied with the way I have played, that’s the most important thing.
ESQ: What would you want your legacy to be?
Benzema: I was able to become who I dreamed of being since I was young. I achieved more than my dream. That’s my heritage.
Photography by Alan Gelati / Styling by Kenza Toumi & Romuald Premier / Management: Yamna Aghrib / Fashion coordination by Oretta Corbelli / Special thanks to Wib Milan