Karim Benzema: the top 5 goals of his career as he leaves Real Madrid

As Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema prepares to bid farewell to the Spanish giants, we look back on the top 5 goals from the Frenchman’s career.

The Real forward is leaving Madrid to undertake a new challenge in Saudi Arabia. Benzema will follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and become the face of the Saudi Pro League.

Karim Benzema leaves a legacy behind in Europe that saw him pick up endless accomplishments with Lyon and Real Madrid. Domestic titles, Champions League triumphs, and other trophies culminated in the Frenchman winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or.

With 420 club goals, plus 37 more for France, Karim Benzema is spoilt for choice when it comes to his top 5 career goals. Nevertheless, we have narrowed down this plethora of strikes to just a handful.

#5: vs Caen, 2007/08 Coupe de la Ligue

At No.5 in the top goals from Karim Benzema is an outrageous piece of skill from his days with Lyon.

During the dying embers of a 2007/08 Coupe de la Ligue clash, Benzema decided to make the Caen goalkeeper look silly.

A through-ball to the forward left Benzema one-on-one with the keeper. So, the Frenchman faked a pass across to a teammate who was supporting him – and the keeper took the bait. All Benzema had to do was roll the ball into an empty net, leaving the goalie stumped.

This goal sealed a 3-1 win for Lyon in this round-of-16 match. The composure and skill on show from Karim Benzema here were absolutely awesome, so it gets a spot on this list.

#4: vs Basel, 2014/15 Champions League

Moving onto Madrid now, a spectacular Karim Benzema strike from 2014 is fourth on our top 5 goals rundown.

A wonderful exchange of passes with Cristiano Ronaldo set up Benzema on the edge of the box. The Real striker took a touch out of his feet, then rifled a shot on his weaker left foot into the near top corner.

This sublime goal was the cherry on top of a 5-1 thrashing of Basel at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos, unsurprisingly, emerged from the group stage with ease. However, Real were unable to defend the Champions League in 2014/15 as Juventus eliminated them in the semi-finals.

#3: vs Spain, 2021 Nations League final

Arguably the best goal from Karim Benzema in a France shirt comes in at No.3 on our top 5 goals list.

With Les Bleus trailing 1-0, they needed something special from their star-studded attack. Fortunately, they did not have to wait long for a moment of magic to draw them level with Spain.

Benzema picked up the ball on the left-hand corner of Spain’s 18-yard box. After creating an opening, he whipped a wonderful shot that curled into the far top corner of the net.

This sensational strike made it 1-1 in the 2021 Nations League final between France and Spain. Fifteen minutes later, Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock to secure the trophy for France.

#2: vs Valencia, 2019/20 La Liga

2019/20 saw Real Madrid claim their first La Liga crown in three years. On the way to the title, Karim Benzema scored one of his greatest-ever strikes against Valencia.

Unfortunately, you have to wait until the end of the match highlights to see the goal. But it is definitely worth the wait.

A Marco Asensio cross found the Real No.9, who controlled the pass with aplomb. Before the ball touched the ground, Benzema flicked it over to his left foot. He then unleashed a devastating volley that crashed into the net via the crossbar.

This was the Frenchman’s second strike in a commanding 3-0 win over Valencia for Los Blancos. Sadly, though, there were no fans in attendance to witness one of the top 5 goals from Karim Benzema due to COVID restrictions.

#1: vs Osasuna, 2011/12 La Liga

Taking first place in our list of the top 5 Karim Benzema goals is a spellbinding volley from the 2011/12 season.

Osasuna were truly put to the sword during their 2011/12 clash. Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his best-ever goals in this win, with Benzema joining in on the antics, too. The pair also combined to create this particular effort.

Following some fancy footwork, Ronaldo got to the by-line and floated a cross deep to the back post. Waiting for the ball was his forward partner, who watched the cross sail over Osasuna heads.

When it finally reached him, Benzema did not hesitate before producing an unbelievable shot. From a tight angle, he nailed a volley back across the goal to the far top corner; the keeper did not even move.

This strike opened the scoring for Real in a 5-1 victory away from home. Mourinho’s side dominated the 2011/12 season, winning La Liga with the most goals scored in a single campaign.

Karim Benzema, of course, was responsible for many of these – yet this was the best of the lot, and No.1 on our top 5 goals from the Frenchman.

Featured image credit: Getty

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