Melroy Joseph Fernandes is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. A Mass Media graduate from St. Andrew's College, Mumbai, Melroy has been a content writer for the past 6 years, curating stories for several brands, starting from his own. As a playwright and a director, he has toured a number of productions in and around his hometown of Mumbai. When not directing, Melroy is seen conducting workshops for aspiring writers and artists, paving the way for young enthusiasts into the writing fraternity. As a guest lecturer, he is often seen conducting sessions on public speaking, acting, and content writing across various educational institutions such as St. Xavier's, St. Andrew's, and many more. Now 22, Melroy is at EssentiallySports, using his penmanship to pursue his undying love for sports, covering events and curating them into unforgettable stories. When not writing, you'll find this tennis fanatic on tabletops at official screenings, engaging in some not-so-friendly banter or defending the legacy of who he says is the ultimate GOAT, Roger Federer.

Times are tough right now for Chelsea fans. The club is in a state of disarray after the sanctions placed on them, but at least things were going well on the pitch. However, that has changed now, as the club is in a lot of trouble under Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea was shockingly defeated by Brentford by a score of 4-1 in their first Premier League match after the international break. It was an ominous reality check just before their Champions League Quarterfinal tie against Real Madrid. Most fans expected the club to bounce back in and get back to winning ways. However, it was the same old team that showed up against Brentford and Madrid were 2-0 up inside 25 minutes. The match ended with a scoreline of 3-1, courtesy of a Karim Benzema hat trick. THOMAS TUCHEL SPEAKS AFTER THE MATCH The tie is not over yet as Chelsea will have the opportunity to save face in the second leg at Bernabeu. However, manager Thomas Tuchel isn’t optimistic about his team’s chances at all. In an interview after the match, Tuchel sent an ominous warning to his squad. He said that if the team keeps playing like this, they’ll lose their next match in the Premier League, and will also get battered in Spain. Moreover, he also said that Chelsea are not in the tie anymore. “If we keep playing like this we will lose at Southampton [in the Premier League on Saturday] and then we will get hammered at the Bernabeu. Today, is this [tie] alive with this performance? No, not at the moment,” Tuchel said [https://www.espn.in/football/chelsea-engchelsea/story/4635773/thomas-tuchel-warns-chelsea-after-champions-league-loss-we-could-get-hammered-at-real-madrid]. TUCHEL BLAMES THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK FOR THE DROP IN THE CLUB’S PERFORMANCES Chelsea was on a massive winning streak before the international break, and hence this malaise is all the more surprising. Tuchel asked his team to find themselves again and added that there was no difference between their performance against Brentford and Real Madrid. “We have to find ourselves again, I don’t know where we have been since the international break. Five days, seven goals conceded. I don’t think there is a deeper reason for it. It’s alarming,” the German manager added. Chelsea Amidst Their Sanctions [https://www.essentiallysports.com/soccer-news-football-news-usmnt-star-christian-pulisic-is-not-worried-about-his-contract-with-chelsea-amidst-their-sanctions/] Do you think Chelsea can bounce back in the second leg and progress to the semi-finals next week? 

Chelsea FC manager Thomas Tuchel sends an ominous warning to his squad after
their 3-1 first-leg loss against Real Madrid in the UCL.

Aniket Awasthi is a soccer author at EssentiallySports. This STEM undergraduate
combines an insatiable urge to write with his admiration for soccer to enhance
his journalism. He lists charismatic names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus
Rashford as his favorite players, but he is a great admirer of Karim Benzema
too. Aniket also volunteers with an NGO that engages in causes ranging from
women's empowerment to the prevention of climate change and pollution. Aniket is
someone who is intrigued by the beauty of rhymes and regards himself as an
amateur poet. He runs a poetry website called Words Stringed Together. Besides
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The Chelsea football team is an English professional team that competes in the Premier League. It was first founded in 1905 and is based in Fulham City. It's one of the most successful clubs in English football history.

"The Blues", as they're commonly regarded by their fans, were first founded by Gus Mears. And they won their first major trophy back in 1955. However, their most successful period has taken place under the ownership of Roman Abramovich.

He took over Chelsea FC in 2003 and has since brought a plethora of trophies to the Stamford Bridge, their home stadium. In their history, Chelsea have won over thirty championships, including six league titles and five European trophies. Though five of the six league championships and three of the five European titles were won in the Abramovich Era.

Their most successful manager has been Jose Mourinho, who has won eight titles in his two stints at Stamford Bridge. Their current manager, Frank Lampard is regarded as their most legendary figure along with the likes of John Terry, Didier Drogba, David Webb, John Hollins, and Pat Nevin.

In 2016, Chelsea was ranked as the seventh most valuable football club in the world £1.15 billion, by Forbes magazine. As of 2016, Chelsea are ranked eighth in the Deloitte Football Money League with annual commercial revenue of £322.59 million.

Most recently, they won the UEFA Champions League under the leadership of manager Thomas Tuchel. They beat the Premier League champions Manchester City 1-0 in the final as Kai Havertz took the Blues to the promised land.

<strong>Titles</strong>
<table width="451">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150"><strong><u>Title</u></strong></td>
<td width="150"><strong><u>Number of titles</u></strong></td>
<td width="150"><strong><u>Year</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">First Division/Premier League</td>
<td width="150">6</td>
<td width="150">1954–55, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15, 2016–17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">Second Division</td>
<td width="150">2</td>
<td width="150">1983–84, 1988–89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">FA Cup</td>
<td width="150">8</td>
<td width="150">1969–70, 1996–97, 1999–2000, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2017–18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">League Cup</td>
<td width="150">5</td>
<td width="150">1964–65, 1997–98, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2014–15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">FA Community Shield</td>
<td width="150">4</td>
<td width="150">1955, 2000, 2005, 2009</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">Full Members' Cup</td>
<td width="150">2</td>
<td width="150">1985–86, 1989–90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">UEFA Champions League</td>
<td width="150">1</td>
<td width="150">2011–12, 2020-21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">UEFA Europa League</td>
<td width="150">2</td>
<td width="150">2012–13, 2018–19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">UEFA Cup Winners' Cup</td>
<td width="150">2</td>
<td width="150">1970–71, 1997–98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">UEFA Super Cup</td>
<td width="150">1</td>
<td width="150">1998</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<strong>Club Personnel</strong>

<strong>Chelsea Ltd.</strong>

<strong>Owner</strong>: Roman Abramovich

<strong>Chairman</strong>: Bruce Buck

<strong>Directors</strong>:
<ul>
 	<li>Eugene Tenenbaum</li>
 	<li>Guy Laurence</li>
 	<li>Marina Granovskaia</li>
</ul>
<strong>Executive Board</strong>
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Chief Executive</strong>: Guy Laurence</li>
 	<li><strong>Club Secretary</strong>: David Barnard</li>
 	<li><strong>Chairman</strong>: Bruce Buck</li>
 	<li><strong>Directors</strong>:
<ul>
 	<li>Eugene Tenenbaum</li>
 	<li>Marina Granovskaia</li>
</ul>
</li>
 	<li><strong>Football Club Board</strong>:
<ul>
 	<li>David Barnard</li>
 	<li>Bruce Buck</li>
 	<li>Marina Granovskaia</li>
 	<li>Guy Laurence</li>
 	<li>Eugene Tenenbaum</li>
</ul>
</li>
 	<li><strong>Life President</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Lord Attenborough (1923–2014)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<strong>Vice-Presidents</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Peter Digby</li>
 	<li>Sir Peter Harrison</li>
 	<li>Joe Hemani</li>
 	<li>Anthony Reeves</li>
 	<li>Alan Spence</li>
</ul>
<strong>Club Ambassadors</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Carlo Cudicini</li>
 	<li>Tore André Flo</li>
 	<li>Paulo Ferreira</li>
 	<li>Eddie Newton</li>
</ul>
<table style="height: 856px" width="452">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150">Squad number</td>
<td width="150">Position</td>
<td width="150">Player Name</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">1</td>
<td width="150">Goalkeeper</td>
<td width="150">Kepa Arrizabalaga</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">2</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Antonio Rüdiger</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">3</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Marcos Alonso</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">4</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Andreas Christensen</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">5</td>
<td width="150">Midfielder</td>
<td width="150">Jorginho</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">7</td>
<td width="150">Midfielder</td>
<td width="150">N'Golo Kanté</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">8</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Trevoh Chalobah</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">9</td>
<td width="150">Goalkeeper</td>
<td width="150">Marcus Bettinelli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">10</td>
<td width="150">Goalkeeper</td>
<td width="150">Eduard Mendy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">11</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Malang Sarr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">12</td>
<td width="150">Midfielder</td>
<td width="150">Ruben Loftus-Cheek</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">13</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Ben Chilwell</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">15</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Kurt Zouma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">17</td>
<td width="150">Midfielder</td>
<td width="150">Mateo Kovačić</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">18</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Thiago Silva</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">19</td>
<td width="150">Midfielder</td>
<td width="150">Mason Mount</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">20</td>
<td width="150">Forward</td>
<td width="150">Callum Hudson-Odoi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">22</td>
<td width="150">Midfielder</td>
<td width="150">Christian Pulisic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">23</td>
<td width="150">Forward</td>
<td width="150">Hakim Ziyech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">24</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Reece James</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">28</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">César Azpilicueta</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">29</td>
<td width="150">Forward</td>
<td width="150">Timo Werner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">31</td>
<td width="150">Forward</td>
<td width="150">Kai Havertz</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">33</td>
<td width="150">Defender</td>
<td width="150">Emerson Palmieri</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="150">34</td>
<td width="150">Forward</td>
<td width="150">Romelu Lukaku</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Chelsea

The Chelsea football team is an English professional team that competes in the Premier League. It was first founded in 1905 and is based in Fulham City. It&#8217;s one of the most successful clubs in English football history. &#8220;The Blues&#8221;, as they&#8217;re commonly regarded by their fans, were first founded by Gus Mears. And they won their first major trophy back in 1955. However, their most successful period has taken place under the ownership of Roman Abramovich. He took over Chelsea FC in 2003 and has since brought a plethora of trophies to the Stamford Bridge, their home stadium. In their history, Chelsea have won over thirty championships, including six league titles and five European trophies. Though five of the six league championships and three of the five European titles were won in the Abramovich Era. Their most successful manager has been Jose Mourinho, who has won eight titles in his two stints at Stamford Bridge. Their current manager, Frank Lampard is regarded as their most legendary figure along with the likes of John Terry, Didier Drogba, David Webb, John Hollins, and Pat Nevin. In 2016, Chelsea was ranked as the seventh most valuable football club in the world £1.15 billion, by Forbes magazine. As of 2016, Chelsea are ranked eighth in the Deloitte Football Money League with annual commercial revenue of £322.59 million. Most recently, they won the UEFA Champions League under the leadership of manager Thomas Tuchel. They beat the Premier League champions Manchester City 1-0 in the final as Kai Havertz took the Blues to the promised land. Titles  Title Number of titles Year  First Division/Premier League 6 1954–55, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15, 2016–17  Second Division 2 1983–84, 1988–89  FA Cup 8 1969–70, 1996–97, 1999–2000, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2017–18  League Cup 5 1964–65, 1997–98, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2014–15  FA Community Shield 4 1955, 2000, 2005, 2009  Full Members&#8217; Cup 2 1985–86, 1989–90  UEFA Champions League 1 2011–12, 2020-21  UEFA Europa League 2 2012–13, 2018–19  UEFA Cup Winners&#8217; Cup 2 1970–71, 1997–98  UEFA Super Cup 1 1998  Club Personnel Chelsea Ltd. Owner: Roman Abramovich Chairman: Bruce Buck Directors: Eugene Tenenbaum Guy Laurence Marina Granovskaia Executive Board Chief Executive: Guy Laurence Club Secretary: David Barnard Chairman: Bruce Buck Directors: Eugene Tenenbaum Marina Granovskaia  Football Club Board: David Barnard Bruce Buck Marina Granovskaia Guy Laurence Eugene Tenenbaum  Life President Lord Attenborough (1923–2014)  Vice-Presidents Peter Digby Sir Peter Harrison Joe Hemani Anthony Reeves Alan Spence Club Ambassadors Carlo Cudicini Tore André Flo Paulo Ferreira Eddie Newton   Squad number Position Player Name  1 Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga  2 Defender Antonio Rüdiger  3 Defender Marcos Alonso  4 Defender Andreas Christensen  5 Midfielder Jorginho  7 Midfielder N&#8217;Golo Kanté  8 Defender Trevoh Chalobah  9 Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli  10 Goalkeeper Eduard Mendy  11 Defender Malang Sarr  12 Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek  13 Defender Ben Chilwell  15 Defender Kurt Zouma  17 Midfielder Mateo Kovačić  18 Defender Thiago Silva  19 Midfielder Mason Mount  20 Forward Callum Hudson-Odoi  22 Midfielder Christian Pulisic  23 Forward Hakim Ziyech  24 Defender Reece James  28 Defender César Azpilicueta  29 Forward Timo Werner  31 Forward Kai Havertz  33 Defender Emerson Palmieri  34 Forward Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea Archives

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Chelsea FC manager Thomas Tuchel sends an ominous warning to his squad after their 3-1 first-leg loss against Real Madrid in the UCL.

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Chelsea Manager Thomas Tuchel Plays Down Their Chances Against Real Madrid After 3-1 Loss

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Karim Benzema is one of the most prolific strikers in world football right now. Playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid, the Frenchman has truly cemented his role as one of the most crucial players for Los Merengues and has emerged as a key superstar for La Liga as well.

Starting off his career with one of the biggest French clubs in Lyon, chances were sparse for the striker. With the team already stacked with talent, Benzema rarely got a chance. But eventually the Frenchman found his way into the XI.

[caption id="attachment_747327" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-747327" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1139540309.jpg" alt="Karim Benzema" width="1920" height="1279" /> MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 31: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and SD Huesca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 31, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)[/caption]

Playing a total of six seasons with Lyon and making 148 appearances, Benzema scored 66 goals. Given his incredible form, Real Madrid swept in for the French forward and the 33-year-old hasn’t looked back since.
<h2><strong>Karim Benzema’s Net Worth and Salary</strong></h2>
According to <a href="https://www.therichest.com/celebnetworth/athletes/richest-soccer-player-athletes/karim-benzema-net-worth/#anchor-earnings-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Richest</a>, Benzema reportedly earns around €8.5 million per year. With a weekly wage of reportedly €180,000 per month, the French marksman certainly is in a team friendly deal.

Despite being one of the most important contributors to the team, Benzema's reasonable wages has helped the club accommodate superstar talents like David Alaba and Eden Hazard.

The Frenchman now has even extended his contract to 2023. Given how important he is, expect the striker to earn a fortune by the end of his stint with Real.

[caption id="attachment_747332" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-747332" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1234861161.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> VALENCIA, SPAIN - AUGUST 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid controls the ball during the La Liga Santader match between Levante UD and Real Madrid CF at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)[/caption]
<h3>On-pitch Achievements</h3>
The Frenchman's start in a stacked Lyon side was surely full of hardships. Struggling to break it into the starting line-up, Benzema's future seemed a bit uncertain. But eventually the French giants recognized how talented Benzema was.

The striker slowly but steadily started to produce the goods as he chipped in with 95 goal contributions in 140 games. Real Madrid certainly took notice of Benz' talents. Buying him for €35 million, Real hoped that the Frenchman can become a mainstay at the striker position.

The now 33-year-old certainly stepped up and repaid the coaches' trust as he shared the forward duties with Gonzalo Higuain. But Benzema's role changed with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger who usually used to cut in and score goals became the main offensive weapon for Real.

<img class="size-full wp-image-102587 aligncenter" src="https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/B9_0iI0IMAAcXE8.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="445" />

This meant that the likes of Higuain and Benzema needed to adjust accordingly. While Ronaldo's numbers increased rapidly, the Frenchman's numbers took a dip as he was more involved in build-up play. Setting up CR7 and Gareth Bale, Benzema often went under the radar.

His lack of goals also drew a lot of criticisms and many doubted whether he was fit to be the striker for Real Madrid. Even his international career was in jeopardy as he fell out of favor under manager Didier Deschamps.

<img class="size-full wp-image-103092 aligncenter" src="https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/041316-SOCCER-France-Karim-Benzema-PI-JW.vadapt.664.high_.1.jpg" alt="" width="664" height="373" />

But the Frenchman certainly took note of all this and once Ronaldo made his move to Juventus, Benzema showed why Real Madrid signed him in the first place. In a rather disappointing 2018-19 season, Benzema shined the brightest as he led Los Merengues in terms of scoring.

The 33-year-old topped his 2018-19 season, with an incredible 2019-20 season as he led Real to a La Liga championship and only trailed Lionel Messi for the Pichichi trophy. His incredible form in the last three seasons certainly paid off as he was recalled to the French team for the 2020 Euros.

[caption id="attachment_747325" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-747325" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1298135435.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1367" /> VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - JANUARY 23: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alavés and Real Madrid at Estadio de Mendizorroza on January 23, 2021 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)[/caption]

While the world champions crashed out, Benzema impressed as he chipped in with 4 goals. Given that Real still haven't made any attacking additions to the team, Los Merengues will hope that Benzema can continue to be the go-to goal scorer he has been.
<h2>Karim Benzema’s Endorsements</h2>
Karim Benzema is perhaps one of the biggest superstars in Real Madrid and in La Liga as well. Given the immense popularity of the Frenchman, the 33-year-old has some big brand endorsements.

Perhaps the biggest of them all is Adidas. Benzema has been donning the Adidas stripes for over a decade now. Another big brand deal that the Frenchman has is that of Hyundai.

<img class="size-full wp-image-736074 aligncenter" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Karim-Benzema-Training.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1029" />

Some other brands that the 33-year-old striker endorses are EA Sports, Bwin and French companies like LCL (Le Crédit Lyonnais) and SFR (Société française du radiotéléphone).
<h3><strong>Foundations and Charity Work</strong></h3>
Karim Benzema certainly is one of the biggest names in Madrid and is one of the most active players off the pitch as well. While he has had multiple donations, his biggest charity work is with the <a href="https://www.charitystars.com/collection/benzema-en/closed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CharityStars</a>.

A venture that allows the players to sell their own memorabilia, the auctioned money then is used for charitable causes. Some of the most iconic Real Madrid jerseys have also featured in the side showing how committed the Frenchman is to give back to the community.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Age</strong></td>
<td width="297">33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Marital Status</strong></td>
<td width="297">Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Spouse</strong></td>
<td width="297">Cora Gauthier</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Height</strong></td>
<td width="297">1.85m (6 ft 1 in)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Teams</strong></td>
<td width="297">Olympique Lyonnais, Real Madrid</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Residence</strong></td>
<td width="297">La Moraleja</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Nationality</strong></td>
<td width="297">France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Endorsements</strong></td>
<td width="297">Adidas, EA Sports, Hyundai, Bwin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Agent</strong></td>
<td width="297">Karim Djaziri</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema is one of the most prolific strikers in world football right now. Playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid, the Frenchman has truly cemented his role as one of the most crucial players for Los Merengues and has emerged as a key superstar for La Liga as well. Starting off his career with one of the biggest French clubs in Lyon, chances were sparse for the striker. With the team already stacked with talent, Benzema rarely got a chance. But eventually the Frenchman found his way into the XI. MADRID, SPAIN &#8211; MARCH 31: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and SD Huesca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 31, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) Playing a total of six seasons with Lyon and making 148 appearances, Benzema scored 66 goals. Given his incredible form, Real Madrid swept in for the French forward and the 33-year-old hasn’t looked back since. Karim Benzema’s Net Worth and Salary According to The Richest, Benzema reportedly earns around €8.5 million per year. With a weekly wage of reportedly €180,000 per month, the French marksman certainly is in a team friendly deal. Despite being one of the most important contributors to the team, Benzema&#8217;s reasonable wages has helped the club accommodate superstar talents like David Alaba and Eden Hazard. The Frenchman now has even extended his contract to 2023. Given how important he is, expect the striker to earn a fortune by the end of his stint with Real. VALENCIA, SPAIN &#8211; AUGUST 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid controls the ball during the La Liga Santader match between Levante UD and Real Madrid CF at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) On-pitch Achievements The Frenchman&#8217;s start in a stacked Lyon side was surely full of hardships. Struggling to break it into the starting line-up, Benzema&#8217;s future seemed a bit uncertain. But eventually the French giants recognized how talented Benzema was. The striker slowly but steadily started to produce the goods as he chipped in with 95 goal contributions in 140 games. Real Madrid certainly took notice of Benz&#8217; talents. Buying him for €35 million, Real hoped that the Frenchman can become a mainstay at the striker position. The now 33-year-old certainly stepped up and repaid the coaches&#8217; trust as he shared the forward duties with Gonzalo Higuain. But Benzema&#8217;s role changed with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger who usually used to cut in and score goals became the main offensive weapon for Real. This meant that the likes of Higuain and Benzema needed to adjust accordingly. While Ronaldo&#8217;s numbers increased rapidly, the Frenchman&#8217;s numbers took a dip as he was more involved in build-up play. Setting up CR7 and Gareth Bale, Benzema often went under the radar. His lack of goals also drew a lot of criticisms and many doubted whether he was fit to be the striker for Real Madrid. Even his international career was in jeopardy as he fell out of favor under manager Didier Deschamps. But the Frenchman certainly took note of all this and once Ronaldo made his move to Juventus, Benzema showed why Real Madrid signed him in the first place. In a rather disappointing 2018-19 season, Benzema shined the brightest as he led Los Merengues in terms of scoring. The 33-year-old topped his 2018-19 season, with an incredible 2019-20 season as he led Real to a La Liga championship and only trailed Lionel Messi for the Pichichi trophy. His incredible form in the last three seasons certainly paid off as he was recalled to the French team for the 2020 Euros. VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN &#8211; JANUARY 23: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team&#8217;s second goal during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alavés and Real Madrid at Estadio de Mendizorroza on January 23, 2021 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) While the world champions crashed out, Benzema impressed as he chipped in with 4 goals. Given that Real still haven&#8217;t made any attacking additions to the team, Los Merengues will hope that Benzema can continue to be the go-to goal scorer he has been. Karim Benzema’s Endorsements Karim Benzema is perhaps one of the biggest superstars in Real Madrid and in La Liga as well. Given the immense popularity of the Frenchman, the 33-year-old has some big brand endorsements. Perhaps the biggest of them all is Adidas. Benzema has been donning the Adidas stripes for over a decade now. Another big brand deal that the Frenchman has is that of Hyundai. Some other brands that the 33-year-old striker endorses are EA Sports, Bwin and French companies like LCL (Le Crédit Lyonnais) and SFR (Société française du radiotéléphone). Foundations and Charity Work Karim Benzema certainly is one of the biggest names in Madrid and is one of the most active players off the pitch as well. While he has had multiple donations, his biggest charity work is with the CharityStars. A venture that allows the players to sell their own memorabilia, the auctioned money then is used for charitable causes. Some of the most iconic Real Madrid jerseys have also featured in the side showing how committed the Frenchman is to give back to the community.  Age 33  Marital Status Married  Spouse Cora Gauthier  Height 1.85m (6 ft 1 in)  Teams Olympique Lyonnais, Real Madrid  Residence La Moraleja  Nationality France  Endorsements Adidas, EA Sports, Hyundai, Bwin  Agent Karim Djaziri

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