Karim Benzema has hit back at French journalist Yoann Rio after Rio claimed the former Real Madrid striker does not belong among the 20 greatest forwards in football history.
Benzema had previously described himself as one of the best strikers to have played the game. Rio strongly disagreed, arguing that the Frenchman should not even be considered among the top 20.
The journalist went further, saying: “He probably doesn’t even make it into the list of the top 30 strikers.”
Benzema responded directly to the comment on Instagram, appearing to mock the timing of Rio’s criticism.
“It’s late, go to sleep, you need to wake up early tomorrow… Bad team.”
The response appeared to suggest that Benzema was unimpressed by the journalist’s assessment and believed the comments had come long after he had made his own statement about his standing in the game.
The exchange has brought renewed attention to Benzema’s place among the elite strikers of his generation and the career that has established him as one of the most decorated French forwards of recent times.
Benzema’s remarkable career
Benzema began to establish his reputation at Olympique Lyonnais in France before making the major move of his career in the summer of 2009, when he joined Real Madrid.
The French striker spent 14 consecutive seasons with the Spanish club, becoming an important figure during one of the most successful periods in its history.
After leaving Real Madrid in 2023, Benzema continued his career in Saudi Arabia. He represented Al-Ittihad before later playing for Al-Hilal.
The 38-year-old has now left Al-Hilal and is currently without a club.
Despite the latest uncertainty surrounding his future, Benzema’s achievements during his career remain a major part of the argument over his status among the game’s leading strikers.
His most successful individual season came with Real Madrid in the 2021-22 campaign. His performances that season helped him secure the Ballon d’Or in 2022, when he was recognised as the world’s best player.
That achievement represented the peak of a career that had already included years of success at club level.
Strong record with France
Benzema also enjoyed a significant international career with France.
He made 97 appearances for the national team and contributed to 57 goals, scoring 37 and providing 20 assists, according to data from Transfermarkt.
His international record, combined with his long spell at Real Madrid and his Ballon d’Or triumph, forms a significant part of his credentials when assessing his career.
However, Rio’s comments have reignited the debate over where Benzema should be placed among the greatest strikers in football history.
The journalist’s position is that Benzema does not belong in the top 20 and may not even make the top 30. Benzema, by contrast, has previously placed himself among the game’s best.
His response on social media was brief but dismissive, turning what could have been a lengthy debate into a personal exchange between the former Real Madrid star and the French journalist.
Benzema’s future is also uncertain after his departure from Al-Hilal. Having represented both Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he is currently without a club.
For now, the debate over his legacy continues.
His career includes a Ballon d’Or, 14 seasons at Real Madrid and an extensive record with France. Whether those achievements are enough to place him among the top 20 strikers in football history remains a matter of opinion.
Benzema, however, has made his reaction to those who rank him lower than that level very clear.
