<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Al Nassr were eliminated from another domestic tournament after falling 2-1 to Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad in the Round of 16 of the King’s Cup. Following the painful defeat, the Portuguese captain delivered a message to the squad and all supporters.



Al Ittihad quickly took the lead after a smooth French connection: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> scored the opening goal in the 15th minute after receiving a superb assist from Moussa Diaby. However, Al Nassr managed to find an equalizer 30 minutes in. Following a swift counterattack, the squad managed by Jorge Jesus leveled the score through a strike from Brazilian midfielder Angelo. 



The joy was short-lived, however, as Houssem Aouar scored just 15 minutes later to secure the decisive 2-1 lead before halftime. Upon returning for the second half, Al Ittihad was dealt a setback when Ahmed Al Julaydan received a red card. Despite numerous attempts to equalize the match, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> failed to find the net again, resulting in their elimination from the King’s Cup.



Approximately one hour after the match concluded, Cristiano Ronaldo took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a clear statement regarding the tough loss. “We stand tall, learn, and move forward together,” CR7 wrote.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We stand tall, learn, and move forward together. <a href="https://t.co/AzMxf7kw02">pic.twitter.com/AzMxf7kw02</a>— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1983276055503999113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s title drought</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo has been the undisputed centerpiece of Al Nassr since his high-profile arrival in 2022. The Portuguese icon remains the team’s leading scorer, having tallied 107 goals in 114 matches. However, despite his phenomenal individual production, he has yet to secure a single major official trophy with the club.


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Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in soccer history with 950 goals, has been defeated in all three finals he has contested with Al Nassr. This streak includes a penalty shootout loss to Al Hilal in the 2023-24 King’s Cup, followed by consecutive defeats in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Saudi Super Cup (losing 4-1 to Al Hilal and subsequently losing to Al Ahli on penalties).



The only silverware Ronaldo has captured with Al Nassr is the Arab Club Champions Cup, where he scored a brace to defeat Al Hilal 2-1. However, this tournament is not officially recognized by either the AFC or FIFA, meaning it is classified only as an exhibition trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence after Al Nassr’s King’s Cup loss to Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence after Al Nassr’s King’s Cup loss to Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Lionel Messi once again top a ranking — but this time, it’s off the pitch. The Portuguese star has been named the highest-paid soccer player of the year, edging out his long-time rival Messi, leaving fans wondering who completes the podium alongside the two icons.



According to financial magazine Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to earn $230 million with Al Nassr during the 2025–26 season, plus an additional $50 million from endorsements. That brings his total projected income to $280 million, marking the sixth time in the past decade that he tops the list of the world’s highest-paid footballers.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, Ronaldo’s all-time counterpart, ranks second among soccer’s top earners with an estimated $130 million in total income — about $60 million from his contract with Inter Miami and $70 million through endorsement deals.



Rounding out the top three is <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a>, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, who is projected to make around $100 million on the field with Al Ittihad, along with another $4 million from sponsorships, according to Forbes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251016_BUS_510530_karim-benzema-1024x576_eb586140.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-510534" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad looks on during a Saudi Pro League match. (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Who rounds out the top 10</h2>



Forbes reported two new changes in this year’s top 10 compared to last season, with Neymar Jr. and Kevin De Bruyne dropping out after recent team moves. Neymar took a significant pay cut to return to Santos, his boyhood club, while De Bruyne left Manchester City for Napoli, also accepting a lower salary.


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The rest of the list includes:



<ul><li>4- Kylian Mbappe – $95 million</li><li>5- Erling Haaland – $80 million</li><li>6- Vinicius Jr. – $60 million</li><li>7- Mohamed Salah – $55 million</li><li>8- Sadio Mane – $54 million</li><li>9- Jude Bellingham – $44 million</li><li>10- Lamine Yamal – $43 million</li></ul>



Lamine Yamal’s first time inclusion is historic — as the 18-year-old Barcelona star becomes the youngest player ever to break into Forbes’ top 10 in the list’s 22-year history.

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Ronaldo leads Messi in list of highest-paid soccer players this year — but who's third? - Bolavip US

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe led his team to a 5-0 Champions League victory over Kairat with a hat-trick, cementing his place in the competition’s history. The French forward surpassed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Karim Benzema in a notable milestone, though he still trails Lionel Messi, who remains at the top.



With his three goals against Kairat, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Mbappe</a> joined an exclusive group of six players to reach 60 Champions League goals. He needed 89 matches to achieve the mark, surpassing the totals of Ronaldo, Benzema, and Raul Gonzalez.



The Real Madrid legend Raul needed the most matches to reach 60 Champions League goals, achieving it in 115 games. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> follows, reaching the milestone in 111 matches, while Cristiano Ronaldo did it in 98 games.



With his latest three goals, Mbappe entered the top three of this exclusive group. Robert Lewandowski ranks second, having needed 85 matches to reach the milestone, while <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> remains the fastest, achieving 60 Champions League goals in just 80 games.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250930_BUS_501323_messi-barcelona-1024x576_85545d6b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-501327" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi celebrates a goal for Barcelona against PSG during Champions League. (David Ramos/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mbappe makes Real Madrid history</h2>



The hat-trick not only brought Mbappe to 60 goals in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/champions-league">Champions League</a> but also placed him in an elite group alongside Ronaldo Nazario, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score a Champions League hat-trick away from the Santiago Bernabeu.


 

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The 2018 World Cup winner also moved into sixth place on the competition’s all-time scoring list with his 60 goals, surpassing Thomas Muller, who had been tied with him at 57.



The race for the all-time Champions League top scorer is still led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 140 goals. However, the Portuguese forward is unlikely to play in another Champions League match, leaving the door open for someone to challenge that record.



Currently, Lewandowski has the best chance to surpass it, sitting third on the list with 105 goals and still active. But with what Mbappe is achieving at such a young age, he has the potential to compete with the Barcelona striker for years to come.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Nassr</a> have made several changes to their team after not achieving the 2024-25 season objectives. One of the most significant changes was the arrival of head coach Jorge Jesus. Throughout the friendly games, the team looked much more solid, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristia</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no Ronaldo</a> delivering impressive performances. Consequently, fans are eager to know about his status ahead of today’s game against Al Ittihad in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup semifinals.



After avoiding injuries in the friendly games, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly fully fit to start against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-ittihad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Ittihad</a>. Alongside the Portuguese star, Joao Felix could make his official debut, having already played a prominent role in recent friendly games. With this reinforcement in the offense, Cristiano will be looking to break the bad streak of two consecutive games without a win against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a>‘s team.



Furthermore, head coach Jorge Jesus could also count on the official debut of veteran defender Iñigo Martinez, who has already played his first minutes in the friendly match against Almería. However, his partner in central defense may not be Mohamed Simakan but Abdulelah Al-Amri, as the 25-year-old defender has already recovered but may not start to avoid a relapse of his injury.



<h2>Al Nassr predicted lineup against Al Ittihad</h2>



Although it is the first official game of the season, Al Nassr could field their best starting eleven to face Al Ittihad, as both teams have a rivalry marked by winning titles as two of the biggest teams in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Arriyadhiah reported that Kingsley Coman could start despite having recently arrived, after convincing Jorge Jesus with his performance in training.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250819_BUS_475037_al-nassr-1024x576_78a611da.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Al Nassr celebrating a triumph in the AFC Champions League" class="wp-image-475044" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/18185828/al-nassr.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with teammates after scoring the 3rd goal during the AFC Champions League Elite.</figcaption></figure>



With this in mind, Al Nassr could present the following starting lineup: Bento; Sultan Al Ghanam, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Iñigo Martinez, Nawaf Boushal; Marcelo Brozovic, Abdullah Alkhaibari; Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo.


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<h2>Is Karim Benzema playing for Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr at 2025 Saudi Super Cup semifinals today?</h2>



Unlike Al Nassr, Al Ittihad have approached the 2025-26 season with a rigorous preparation strategy, engaging in five friendly matches. Despite this proactive effort, their performance was lackluster, culminating in just a single victory. The team faced a minor setback with goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic suffering a muscle injury, sidelining him from play. However, Karim Benzema remains fully fit and poised to lead the lineup.



With this in mind, they could field the following lineup: Youssif Al-Shanqiti; Saad Al Mousa, Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Muath Faqeehi; Fabinho, N’Golo Kante; Mousa Diaby, Unai Hernandez, Steven Bergwijn; Karim Benzema.

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Karim Benzema made history at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a>, overcoming criticism to become the club’s second all-time leading scorer with 354 goals. After Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, he took over as the team’s offensive leader. He consistently scored over 20 goals per season, proving his value. His impressive performance earned him the Ballon d’Or. Despite his success, he made the surprising decision to leave the Real Madrid in 2023. Now, after several years, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzema</a> has finally broken his silence. He explained the reasons behind his departure.



Karim Benzema’s legacy at Real Madrid is defined by perseverance, triumph, and deep respect for the club. Speaking on Los Amigos de Edu, the French striker reflected on his departure. “It was a moment when I had to say I want to stay at the top, top level of Madrid, captain, etc… You don’t know what is going to happen next year,” stated Benzema. 



Karim Benzema carefully considered his next move before leaving Real Madrid: “It was always a little bit in my head. The day I win everything with Madrid, I think I’m going to say that’s it and go to another club that can’t play against Madrid again,” he explained. His loyalty to the club’s legacy was clear. He emphasized his decision to avoid clubs like PSG or Manchester City. 



Nevertheless, Karim Benzema’s journey in Madrid was not without challenges. He acknowledged the difficult start to his career in Spain. “In Madrid I started a bit difficult. It was very complicated for me, but I never gave up and thanks also to Florentino Perez, who was always on my side,” added Benzema. Over time, he evolved from a promising but inconsistent forward into a club legend. He won every possible title with Real Madrid, cementing his place in history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250303_BUS_347632_benzema-1-1024x559_2631ddbf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="benzema " class="wp-image-347647" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03122758/benzema-1-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03122758/benzema-1-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03122758/benzema-1-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03122758/benzema-1-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03122758/benzema-1.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Karim Benzema of Real Madrid applauds the fans as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on June 04, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Karim Benzema reveals his post-retirement plans after professional soccer</h2>



Karim Benzema still has two years remaining on his contract with Al-Ittihad and continues to perform at a high level. He has already scored 16 goals in the Saudi Pro League, making him the tournament’s second-leading scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo. 


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Despite his success, Benzema is already thinking about his post-retirement plans. One thing is certain: he has no interest in becoming a coach. “It seems more complicated than playing. You have to talk to 20-25 guys, you have to choose one or the other.”



However, Karim Benzema is certain that he wants to remain involved in soccer after retirement. He has expressed a desire to stay close to Florentino Perez and even maintain ties with Real Madrid. He did not specify whether he envisions a role as a club president, executive or any rol.

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Despite facing criticism from many, Karim Benzema made history not only in Real Madrid but also in world soccer. He played a key role in the historic <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> squad that won three consecutive Champions League titles. After Cristiano Ronaldo made his statements, Benzema revealed who he considers to be the best soccer player in history. His response sparked controversy, as he chose not to mention Cristiano Ronaldo or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>.



“I think everyone can say what they want. If he thinks he’s the best in history, then he is. There are many. For example, for me, (the best soccer player of all time) is the Ronaldo of Brazil, but Cristiano is what he is. I do not like to make comparisons between players. I think each one has his story and he (Cristiano) has his story. He is very good,” stated Karim Benzema on TNT Sports.



Karim Benzema spent many years playing alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, appearing in 342 games together. Cristiano is also the teammate with whom Benzema combined for the most goals, with 76. Despite their shared history, Karim recently stated that the best player in history is not Cristiano, but the legendary Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario. Another surprise was that Karim Benzema did not choose Lionel Messi as the best player in history. 



Although <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzema</a> did not choose Lionel Messi, he has publicly expressed his respect for the Argentine. Even when Messi was being criticized by PSG fans Karim Benzema came to his defense: “He (Messi) is one of the best players in the world. Messi just needs time to adapt at Paris Saint-Germain…Anyway, you can’t criticize a player like this. Anyone who criticizes Messi has no idea about soccer,” stated Benzema on Telefoot.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250224_BUS_343248_karim-benzema-2-1024x559_150d2bd1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="karim-benzema 2" class="wp-image-343287" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/karim-benzema-2-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/karim-benzema-2-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/karim-benzema-2-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/karim-benzema-2-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/24134757/karim-benzema-2.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Karim Benzema receives the Ballon d’Or award during the Ballon D’Or ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet In Paris on October 17, 2022 in Paris, France.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How Karim Benzema is performing in the Saudi Pro League?</h2>



Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema plays for a much more structured team. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-ittihad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Ittihad</a>’s sporting project focuses on building around a group of talented players rather than a single star. 


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As a result, Benzema is surrounded by quality teammates like Moussa Diaby, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kante, all of whom have experience in the Premier League. Additionally, he plays alongside other renowned players such as Houssem Aouar and Danilo Pereira.



This team structure has allowed Benzema to excel at Al Ittihad, the current solid leader of the Saudi Pro League. He is tied with Cristiano Ronaldo as the league’s top scorer with 16 goals. Thanks to his team’s strong performances, Benzema is now much closer to winning his first Saudi professional league title ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite his age, Karim continues to prove that he remains one of the best players in the league.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a> found the net for Real Madrid in their 4-0 win over RB Salzburg on Matchdaty 7 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. With his goal, the star joined another French icon, Thierry Henry, in the all-time goalscorer table with 51 units. However, Mbappe still has another countryman ahead of him: Karim Benzema.



Mbappe has scored 10th top goalscorer in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/champions-league">Champions League</a>, including all phases, with 51 goals in 80 games. He tied Henry, who scored 51 goals in 112 games in the competition with Arsenal (35), Monaco (7) and Barcelona (8), as well as Filippo Inzaghi (51).



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Benzema</a>, on the other hand, scored 90 goals in 152 matches, and he is the fourth in the all-time goalscorer table of the competition behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 103 goals in 127 matches, and can still add to his tally. Messi (second) and Ronaldo (first) are the other two players with most goals in the competition.



Against Salzburg, Rodrygo scored Madrid’s first two goals in the first half. Just three minutes into the second half, Mbappe found the net after a mistake from the Salsburg’s defense, extending the advantage before Vinicius completed the thrashing with a brace (55’,77’).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250122_BUS_319550_benzema-1024x576_51bfc28c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-319555" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22172916/benzema.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Karim Benzema scored 90 goals in the UEFA Champions League (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



This was Mbappe’s third goal in the competition this season, after also scoring against Stuttgart (3-1) in his debut, and in the victory against Atalanta (2-3) as visitors. While the French star has strong stats, he is still far away from Ronaldo and Messi.


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<h2>How many goals does he need to reach Ronaldo, Messi?</h2>



Meanwhile, Ronaldo scored 141 goals with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus in 183 games. So, Mbappe still needs 90 goals to reach the Portuguese in the all-time top goalscorer table. On the other hand, Messi is second with 129 goals in 163 matches. Meaning, he needs 78 units to tie the Argentine star.



But first Mbappe will have to surpass other great players such as Raúl González (71), Ruud van Nistelrooy (60), Andriy Shevchenko (59) and Thomas Müller (55 and counting).



<h2>The goalscorer table of the 2024/25 Champions League: Who is leading?</h2>



With the new format, there have been many tight matches and big wins during the first phase so far. Barcelona’s Lewandowski leads the goalscorer table with nine units, followed by his teammate Raphinha (8). Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Dortmund’s Guirassy shared the third place with seven units.

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Vinicius reportedly targeted by Saudi Pro League: Real Madrid&#039;s staggering price tag revealed

Mbappe matches Henry’s goals in the Champions League: How far is he from Benzema’s record? - Bolavip US

Undoubtedly the most high-profile match of the week in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league">Saudi Pro League</a>, Al-Nassr and Al Ittihad, two of the league’s top contenders, went head-to-head in a thrilling encounter. Karim Benzema opened the scoring for the hosts 10 minutes into the second half, but Cristiano Ronaldo quickly responded to level the score. However, in dramatic fashion, Steven Bergwijn netted a late goal in stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory for Al Ittihad.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Benzema</a>’s team entered this match as the league leaders, boasting 33 points from the first 12 rounds, with an impressive record of 11 wins and just one loss. In contrast, Al-Nassr, who have struggled with inconsistent results in recent weeks, sat in fourth place with 25 points. For Al-Nassr, Friday’s fixture was crucial, offering them a prime opportunity to take points directly from their rivals and close the gap at the top.



The match also carried extra intrigue, as it saw two of the league’s biggest stars—Karim Benzema and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>—go head-to-head. The two forwards were teammates for nearly a decade at Real Madrid, where they formed an iconic attacking trio alongside Gareth Bale. Now, however, they find themselves on opposing sides in the Saudi Pro League, adding another layer of excitement to this high-stakes encounter.



As expected, both players delivered standout performances, becoming the central figures of the match. Ten minutes into the second half, Benzema opened the scoring for Al Ittihad after a brilliant individual effort from Muhannad Al Shanqeeti. The right-back made a powerful run, covering significant ground with the ball before delivering a perfectly timed, low cross into the box—one that Karim simply had to tap in to give Al Ittihad the lead.



<h2>Ronaldo delivers when Al-Nassr needed him most</h2>



With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al-Nassr</a> trailing and under pressure following Benzema’s goal, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up at a crucial moment to restore hope for his team. Just two minutes after Al Ittihad’s opener, the Portuguese forward found himself in the right place at the right time. Receiving a precise assist from Angelo inside the box, Ronaldo calmly slotted home the equalizer with a well-placed right-footed shot.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">CRISTIANO IS HERE 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 <a href="https://t.co/z2noNzbwS0">pic.twitter.com/z2noNzbwS0</a>— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/1865098130154226163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Hard blow for Al-Nassr</h2>



As the match neared its conclusion, with the score locked at 1-1 and stoppage time ticking down, Steven Bergwijn delivered a moment of brilliance. The Dutch forward showcased his skill with a sensational individual effort inside the box, weaving past multiple defenders before finishing with a powerful right-footed shot that left Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento with no chance to react.


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Bergwijn’s late goal not only secured all three points for Al Ittihad but also extended their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings. With 36 points, they now have a five-point cushion over second-place Al-Hilal, who face Al Raed on Saturday. For Al-Nassr, it was a devastating blow. The defeat means they missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on the leaders, leaving them 11 points adrift of the top spot.

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Al-Nassr in 2-1 defeat to Benzema’s Al Ittihad

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Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Al-Nassr in 2-1 defeat to Benzema’s Al Ittihad - Bolavip US

The figure of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> always stirs reactions with any move or statement he makes. In this instance, an entertaining back-and-forth unfolded between him and his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, who asked Ronaldo to choose between certain players. The twist? Ronaldo ended up selecting another teammate over the Argentine star Angel Di Maria.



The YouTube channel UR Cristiano provided the perfect setting for a fun game between Cristiano Ronaldo and his former teammate Rio Ferdinand. Ferdinand challenged Ronaldo to choose between different football players, adding an entertaining twist to their interaction.



When it came time to choose between Argentine star and current World Cup champion <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/angel-di-maria">Angel Di Maria</a> and his contender, CR7 did not hesitate to pick the other player. The player in question is none other than David Beckham, one of the current owners of Inter Miami and the key figure responsible for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>‘s signing with the Herons.



In this round of questions, it was one of the fastest answers from the Portuguese striker, perhaps due to the close relationship that Cristiano and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/david-beckham">Beckham</a> developed during their time together at Manchester United.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240908_BUS_231414_Angel-Di-Maria-1024x576_a4e5fbc1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Angel Di Maria" class="wp-image-231458" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Angel-Di-Maria-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Angel-Di-Maria-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Angel-Di-Maria-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Angel-Di-Maria-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Angel-Di-Maria.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Angel Di Maria of Manchester United looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on November 8, 2014 in Manchester, England.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The intriguing choice between Benzema and Mbappe</h2>



In line with the questions and answers between Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand, it was time to tackle one of the most challenging questions in the entire questionnaire. The question compared French forwards <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a> and Karim Benzema.


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/al-nassr-star-cristiano-ronaldo-makes-big-statement-about-breaking-another-record-in-his-career"></div>


Toward the end of the questionnaire, Ferdinand put Cristiano Ronaldo on the spot, making him choose between his rival from Al Ittihad and the recent galactic signing of Real Madrid.



When it seemed that the final choice would likely be <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a>, given their years together and the numerous goals they scored for Real Madrid, the Portuguese star ultimately chose one of the forwards of the moment, Kylian Mbappe.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Beckham or Giggs? Benzema or Mbappé? Cristiano Ronaldo names his top player" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PX8ykesLfSE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo and his immediate future</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo is focused on the UEFA Nations League doubleheader representing Portugal. His first match was a 2-1 victory over Croatia, a game highlighted by his historic milestone of reaching 900 career goals.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/al-nassr-star-cristiano-ronaldo-makes-big-statement-about-breaking-another-record-in-his-career">Not content with that, the Al Nassr forward recently declared his goal of surpassing the 1,000 career goals mark.</a> While challenging given his age, for players of his caliber, virtually nothing is impossible.



After playing the second Nations League match against Scotland, CR7 will return to Saudi Arabia to rejoin his coach at Al Nassr and continue his campaign in the Saudi Pro League, where his team is currently in fifth place.

Cristiano Ronaldo snubs Di Maria among other former teammates while choosing favorite player

Cristiano Ronaldo snubs Di Maria among other former teammates while choosing favorite player - Bolavip US

Following the decisive defeat in the final against Al Hilal, it seems the bad news continues for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Al Nassr. Reports suggest that the Portuguese star might be losing a key player from his squad, who is close to joining Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad.



On the eve of the new Saudi Pro League season, teams continue to strengthen their squads with several transfers still in the works. In this scenario, two of the most prominent clubs in Saudi Arabia, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> and Al Ittihad, are taking center stage.



French star striker <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> has urged management to act swiftly to secure the services of a key player from Cristiano Ronaldo’s team. Al Ittihad aims to challenge for the Saudi Pro League title once again and hopes that this reinforcement will make a significant impact in the transfer market and help them achieve their main goal.



Managed by Frenchman Laurent Blanc, the team is one of the top contenders for the title. However, not content with this, they are actively seeking to further strengthen their squad to stay at the top of the league.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240820_BUS_160741_Karim-Benzema-Al-Ittihad-1024x576_1437dfec.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Karim Benzema Al Ittihad" class="wp-image-160760" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Karim-Benzema-Al-Ittihad-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Karim-Benzema-Al-Ittihad-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Karim-Benzema-Al-Ittihad-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Karim-Benzema-Al-Ittihad-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Karim-Benzema-Al-Ittihad.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad at Al-Shabab Club Stadium on November 03, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</figcaption></figure>



Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will need to quickly move on from their loss in the final against Al Hilal last weekend, as their new season kicks off this Thursday with a match against Al Raed.


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<h2>The star targeted by Al Ittihad</h2>



Recent reports indicate that, at the express request of forward Karim Benzema, Al Ittihad is set to pursue one of the standout players from Al Nassr, a striking partner of Cristiano Ronaldo.



The player in question is none other than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sadio-mane">Sadio Mane</a>, the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward. The Senegalese striker is reportedly open to the move, and everything seems set for him to don the yellow and black jersey starting this upcoming season.



Journalist Ben Jacobs reported on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the interest is genuine and that Al Nassr could be set to lose a key player from their squad as the new season begins.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240820_BUS_160741_Sadio-Mane-Al-Nassr-1024x576_80acc15c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Sadio Mane Al Nassr" class="wp-image-160765" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Sadio-Mane-Al-Nassr-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Sadio-Mane-Al-Nassr-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Sadio-Mane-Al-Nassr-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Sadio-Mane-Al-Nassr-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Sadio-Mane-Al-Nassr.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Sadio Mane of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring the 3rd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Abha Club and Al-Nassr at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sport City on April 2, 2024 in Abha, Saudi Arabia.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mane’s stats at Al Nassr</h2>



After leaving Bayern Munich, the Senegalese forward joined Al Nassr and had a fantastic footballing season in terms of his statistics.



The forward played a total of 46 matches, scoring 19 goals and providing 8 assists. Undoubtedly, his move to Al Ittihad would be a major boost for the team.

Report: Cristiano Ronaldo could lose key Al Nassr teammate to Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad

Report: Cristiano Ronaldo could lose key Al Nassr teammate to Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad - Bolavip US

As France prepares for their<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/uefa-euro"> UEFA Euro 2024</a> semifinal showdown against Spain, they aim to clinch their third European Championship title, equalling Germany and Spain as the top winners. However, they will have to achieve this without the presence of striker Karim Benzema.



Currently playing for Al–Ittihad, Benzema had an impressive international career, playing 97 games for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/france">France</a>, scoring 37 goals, and providing 20 assists. He was a vital part of Didier Deschamps‘ squad that won the 2021 UEFA Nations League, even scoring a stunning goal in the final against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/spain">Spain</a>.



Despite the absence of Benzema, France’s squad remains formidable, led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a>, as they face a tough test to secure a spot in the much-anticipated final.



<h2>Karim Benzema out of the semifinal match against Spain</h2>



The reason <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> will not be playing in the semifinal against Spain is that he retired from the national team following France’s loss to Argentina in the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240708_BUS_142752_benzema-goal-1024x576_718aba9d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-142755" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/benzema-goal-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/benzema-goal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/benzema-goal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/benzema-goal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/benzema-goal.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Karim Benzema of France scores their side’s first goal whilst under pressure from Cesar Azpilicueta of Spain during the UEFA Nations League 2021 Final match between Spain and France. Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Benzema’s journey with the national team has been marked by highs and lows. In 2015, he was suspended for five years due to an extortion scandal involving his former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, causing him to miss both UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Russia.


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/uefa-euro/why-is-hugo-lloris-not-playing-for-france-vs-spain-in-euro-2024-semifinals"></div>


He made his comeback to the national team in 2021, contributing to France’s historic UEFA Nations League victory. However, just days before the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Benzema suffered a left thigh injury that kept him out of the tournament, effectively ending his career with Les Bleus.



While Benzema’s absence is significant, France remains a strong contender, determined to prove their mettle and achieve glory at Euro 2024.

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Spain in Euro 2024 semifinals?

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Spain in Euro 2024 semifinals? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uefa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEFA</a> Euro 2024 quarterfinals have arrived, featuring intriguing matchups like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/france" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a> versus <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a>. However, France will face this challenge without <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karim Benzema</a>.



Many fans had high hopes for France to reclaim the UEFA Euro 2024 title. The squad boasts numerous club stars, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappe</a> leading the pack that will try to achieve success this year.



Despite their star-studded lineup, some notable names, including Karim Benzema, did not make the cut for the Euro 2024 roster. Here’s why the striker was not called by the coach.



<h2>Why was Karim Benzema not called to the Euro 2024?</h2>



Didier Deschamps has assembled a highly competitive roster for France, with a wealth of talent at his disposal that could field multiple starting XIs capable of challenging any team in the world.


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/uefa-euro/cristiano-ronaldo-sends-big-warning-before-portugal-face-france-and-kylian-mbappe-in-euro-2024"></div>


For UEFA Euro 2024, Deschamps opted not to include Karim Benzema in the squad. Despite returning to the national team in 2020 after a ban, Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia did not yield stellar performances with Al Ittihad.



Specifically, Benzema’s omission from the Euro 2024 squad was due to his current form. Deschamps selected Olivier Giroud, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram, and, of course, Kylian Mbappe as his center forwards instead.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="668780073703e02ef8743171" data-title="Who will advance?" data-options="2"></div>

The reason why Karim Benzema is not playing for France vs Portugal in the Euro 2024

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Rodrygo\&#039;s message to Cristiano Ronaldo before he plays Kylian Mbappe, France with Portugal

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Portugal in Euro 2024? - Bolavip US

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Portugal in Euro 2024?

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Portugal in Euro 2024 quarterfinals?

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/france">France</a> is one of the top contenders for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/uefa-euro">UEFA Euro 2024</a> title, seeking redemption after their devastating 2016 final loss to Portugal on home turf. Karim Benzema, who wasn’t part of that tournament, is also missing from this year’s squad.



Didier Deschamps’ squad kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a solid 1-0 victory over <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/austria">Austria</a>, immediately positioning themselves as strong contenders despite Benzema’s absence.



Following draws against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/netherlands">Netherlands</a> and Poland, France secured their place in the Round of 16, finishing second in their group. They now face Belgium in a crucial knockout match.



<h2>Karim Benzema out of the match against Belgium</h2>



The reason <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> will not play in the round of 16 match against Belgium is because the former Real Madrid striker withdrew from the national team after the loss to Argentina in the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240630_BUS_138967_karim-benzema-nations-league-1024x576_47fc6cf5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-138971" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/karim-benzema-nations-league-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/karim-benzema-nations-league-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/karim-benzema-nations-league-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/karim-benzema-nations-league-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/karim-benzema-nations-league.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema of France celebrate with The UEFA Nations League trophy. Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Benzema’s journey with the national team has been tumultuous. In 2015, he was suspended for five years due to an extortion scandal involving his former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, causing him to miss both UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Russia.



The striker made his return to the national team in 2021, helping France win the UEFA Nations League for the first time in history. However, just days before the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Benzema suffered a left thigh injury that sidelined him for the entire tournament, marking the end of his career with Les Bleus.

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Belgium today in Euro 2024 Round of 16?

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France vs Belgium today in Euro 2024 Round of 16? - Bolavip US

Since the beginning of the qualifiers for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uefa-euro-2024">UEFA Euro 2024</a> everyone knew that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/france">France</a> would be one of the favorites teams to lift the trophy that Italy did in 2020 against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/england">England</a>. But can they do it without star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/benzema">Karim Benzema</a>?



It’s not a surprise that the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a> striker and winner of the Ballon d’Or 2022 Karim Benzema is out of Didier Deschamps’s squad for this UEFA Euro 2024, because he left the team a day after France lost the World Cup 2022 against Argentina.



The Al-Ittihad Jeddah Club striker bid farewell to the French national team via Twitter: “I made the effort and made the necessary mistakes to be where I am today, and I am proud of it. I have written my story and ours is over.”



<h2>The reasons why Karim Benzema left France’s squad</h2>



His first problems began back in 2015, when he had an extortion problem with his former teammate Mathieu Valbuena and got suspended by the national team for 5 years so he wasn’t called up for UEFA Euro 2016 and Russia World Cup 2018.



He came back in 2021, when Didier Deschamps called him to play the UEFA Nations League, that later France would win for the first time in their history with Karim Benzema as a key player.



Days before the beginning of the Qatar World Cup 2022 he suffered a left thigh tear that kept him away from the field for a while. When the tournament was finished he put an end to his national career with France.

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France in Euro 2024?

Why is Karim Benzema not playing for France in Euro 2024? - Bolavip US

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