Karim Benzema has solidified his place as one of the most prolific strikers in football history through consistent excellence across three different leagues.
As of June 2026, he has reached a monumental career milestone that reflects two decades of elite performance. His journey began in the youth ranks of Lyon and reached its peak during a historic era at Real Madrid.
Today, he continues to demonstrate his scoring prowess in the Saudi Pro League. This comprehensive guide provides the exact numbers behind his legendary career, detailing every goal scored for club and country based on the latest available data.
The Complete Career Goals of Karim Benzema
To understand the magnitude of his impact on the game, it is essential to look at his total career numbers across all professional environments.
Benzema has successfully transitioned from a young prodigy to a veteran leader, maintaining a high scoring average throughout.
As of June 2026, Karim Benzema has scored a total of 524 career goals for his clubs and the French national team.
This tally includes his record breaking years in Spain, his developmental years in France, and his recent prolific seasons in Saudi Arabia. The following table summarizes his goals by team.
Karim Benzema Career Goals by Team (as of June 2026)
| Team | Years | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 2009 to 2023 | 354 |
| Olympique Lyonnais | 2004 to 2009 | 66 |
| Al-Ittihad Club | 2023 to 2026 | 48 |
| Al Hilal Saudi Club | 2026 to Present | 19 |
| France National Team | 2007 to 2022 | 37 |
The data confirms that his most productive years occurred in the Spanish capital, where he spent over a decade as a central figure. However, his ability to score 67 goals in Saudi Arabia since 2023 highlights his enduring quality.
He remains an active player with the potential to increase these figures further before his current contract expires in 2027.
Dominating the European Stage at Real Madrid
Benzema is most famous for his fourteen seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he became an essential part of the club’s greatest modern achievements. He arrived in Madrid in 2009 and left in 2023 as one of the most decorated players in football history.
He scored a staggering 354 goals in 648 appearances for the Spanish giants. This achievement makes him the second highest goalscorer in the history of Real Madrid. He trails only Cristiano Ronaldo in the all time rankings for the club.
The Early Seasons at the Bernabéu
In his debut season in 2009 to 2010, he scored eight goals in 27 games. He quickly adapted to the high pressure environment of La Liga, scoring 15 and 21 goals in the following two campaigns.
During these years, he was often praised for his unselfish play and tactical intelligence.
He played a vital role in supporting other star players while maintaining his own efficiency in front of goal. In the 2012 to 2013 season, he scored 11 goals in 30 league matches.
He followed this with 17 goals in the 2013 to 2014 season, helping the team secure their tenth Champions League title.
His consistency was a hallmark of his time in Spain. Between 2014 and 2017, he recorded seasons with 15, 24, and 11 league goals respectively. Even when his primary role was to create space, he remained a constant threat to opposing defenders.
Transitioning to the Primary Goalscorer
Following several changes in the team structure in 2018, his goal production saw a massive increase. He took on the responsibility of being the main offensive focal point. He scored 21 goals in three separate league seasons between 2018 and 2020.
By the 2020 to 2021 season, he improved his league tally to 23 goals in 34 matches. This period demonstrated his evolution from a creative partner into a clinical “number 9” who could carry the team’s scoring burden.
His statistics during his early 30s were superior to many of the world’s younger attackers.
The Ballon d’Or Winning Campaign (2021 to 2022)
The 2021 to 2022 season remains the most successful individual campaign of his career. He scored 44 goals in 46 games across all competitions. This included being the top scorer in both the Champions League and La Liga.
His performances were instrumental in securing the Champions League title and the domestic league trophy. He was awarded the 2022 Ballon d’Or as a recognition of his dominance. He also received the UEFA Player of the Year award during this period.
He scored 27 goals in 32 league games during this historic run. In the Champions League, he delivered multiple hat tricks in the knockout stages to lead his team to the final.
This season cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever wear the white shirt.
The Foundation at Olympique Lyonnais
Benzema’s professional career began at Olympique Lyonnais, where he was developed through one of the best academies in Europe. He made his first team debut during the 2004 to 2005 season and soon became the league’s standout attacker.
During his five seasons with Lyon, he scored a total of 66 goals in 148 appearances. His scoring rate increased each year as he gained more experience in the top flight. The following breakdown shows his progression in Ligue 1.
Breakout Years in France
In his first professional season, he appeared in six games but did not score a goal. He scored his first league goal in the 2005 to 2006 season during 13 appearances. By the 2006 to 2007 season, he had improved to five goals in 21 matches.
His true breakout occurred in the 2007 to 2008 campaign. He scored 20 goals in 36 league appearances, finishing as the top scorer in Ligue 1. This performance helped Lyon win the domestic title and established him as a global superstar.
He followed this success with 17 goals in 36 matches during the 2008 to 2009 season. His consistent finishing led to a high profile transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.
His time in France provided the technical foundation for his future European dominance.
A Prolific Presence for the France National Team
Benzema’s international career spanned 15 years, during which he became one of the most successful forwards for France. He made his debut at 19 years old and consistently contributed to the team’s success in major tournaments.
He finished his international career with 37 goals in 97 caps. He ranks as one of the top five goalscorers in the history of Les Bleus. One of his most significant international achievements was winning the Nations League in 2021.
International Milestones and Impact
He scored his first international goal in his debut match against Austria in March 2007. Over the years, he participated in multiple European Championships and the World Cup. He was often the primary creative and scoring threat for the national side.
His return to the national team in 2021 saw him reach peak form on the international stage. He scored four goals during the Euro 2020 tournament, which was held in 2021. He also scored a crucial goal in the Nations League final to help France secure the trophy.
He officially retired from international football in December 2022 after the World Cup. His legacy with the national team is defined by his high technical level and his ability to perform in high pressure matches. He remains a respected figure in French football history.
Continuing the Legacy in the Saudi Pro League
In the summer of 2023, Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia to continue his professional journey in a new environment. He has proven that his ability to find the back of the net remains elite regardless of the league.
As of June 2026, he has added 67 goals to his career total during his time in the Saudi Pro League. He first played for Al-Ittihad Club before making a high profile move to Al Hilal. His statistics reflect a striker who is still performing at a world class level.
Goals with Al-Ittihad Club
Benzema scored 48 goals during his tenure with Al-Ittihad between 2023 and early 2026. He was the primary offensive threat for the team and helped them compete for domestic honors.
His transition to the league was seamless, as he scored frequently in both league and cup matches.
He maintained a high goal per game ratio during his two and a half seasons with the club. His presence helped elevate the profile of the league on a global scale. He left the club as one of their most successful foreign players in terms of scoring output.
Current Success with Al Hilal
He joined Al Hilal in February 2026 and has already made a significant impact on the squad. He has scored 19 goals for his current club as of mid 2026.
He is currently under contract until June 2027, which provides him with more opportunities to increase his total tally.
Al Hilal is one of the most successful clubs in the region, and Benzema has integrated perfectly into their attacking system.
His veteran experience and clinical finishing make him a vital asset for the team. Fans expect him to reach even higher milestones before he eventually retires.
Statistical Breakdown by Major Competitions
Benzema has performed at a high level across several prestigious competitions throughout his career. His numbers in the Champions League are particularly noteworthy, as he is among the all time leaders in that tournament.
His scoring is distributed across various leagues and cups in Europe and Asia. The following table provides a detailed look at where his goals were scored.
Karim Benzema Goals by Competition
| Competition | Goals Scored |
|---|---|
| La Liga | 238 |
| UEFA Champions League | 90 |
| Ligue 1 | 43 |
| Saudi Pro League | 47 |
| Copa del Rey | 25 |
| King’s Cup (Saudi Arabia) | 9 |
His 90 goals in the Champions League make him the fourth highest scorer in the history of the competition. He has also scored seven goals in the Spanish Supercopa and six goals in the FIFA Club World Cup.
This diversity of scoring demonstrates his ability to perform in every possible format.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many total goals has Benzema scored?
As of June 2026, he has scored 524 goals in his professional career. This total includes all goals for his clubs and the French national team. He has scored for Lyon, Real Madrid, Al-Ittihad, and Al Hilal.
What was his best scoring season?
His most prolific season was the 2021 to 2022 campaign with Real Madrid. He scored 44 goals in all competitions, including 27 in the league and 15 in the Champions League. This season earned him the Ballon d’Or.
Where does he rank in Real Madrid history?
Benzema is the second highest goalscorer in the history of Real Madrid. He scored 354 goals during his 14 seasons at the club. He is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the all time rankings.
How many goals did he score for France?
He scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for the French national team. He is one of the top scorers in the history of the country. He won the Nations League with France in 2021.
The Final Verdict on Benzema’s Scoring Legacy
Karim Benzema will be remembered as a complete forward who mastered every aspect of offensive play.
His 524 career goals are a testament to his longevity and adaptability at the highest levels of the sport. He has successfully reinvented himself several times to meet the needs of his teams.
His move from Lyon to Madrid and eventually to Saudi Arabia shows a player who was never afraid of new challenges.
He won 25 trophies with Real Madrid, cementing his status as a legendary winner. His scoring record in the Champions League specifically proves his big match temperament.
As he continues his career with Al Hilal, his final total is likely to increase even further. He remains one of the most efficient finishers in world football at the age of 38.
His goalscoring records will likely stand for many decades as a benchmark for future generations of strikers.
