Karim Benzema (born 19 December 1987 in Lyon, Rhône-Alpes) is a French footballer who plays as a striker for Olympique Lyonnais and the France national team.
Of Algerian-Berber descent, Benzema is a product of the Olympique Lyonnais Academy, he is very capable of playing as a striker in Lyon’s preferred 4-3-3 formation, but he can also play on both wings. In the 2006–07 season, after forming special relationship with new manager Alain Perrin, he was given the first team role in which he responded with 24 goals in 37 games. On 13 March 2008, Benzema extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a one year extension option.After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France.He was recently voted the best player in France, while ex-Lyon colleague Hatem Ben Arfa was voted the best young player