Karim Benzema was born on 19/12/1987 in Lyon, France. Benzema began his football career with local club Bron Terraillon. In 1996, he joined Olympique Lyonnais, and subsequently came through the club's youth academy.In the 2007–08 season, Benzema became a starter and had a breakthrough year scoring over 30 goals as Lyon won its seventh straight league title. In July 2009, Benzema moved to Real Madrid in a transfer fee worth over €35 million. He has been described as an "immensely talented striker" who is "strong and powerful" and "a potent finisher from inside the box".