Florentino Perez Reveals How He Managed to Sign Karim Benzema for Real Madrid From Olympique Lyon

• Karim Benzema was with the French side Olympique Lyon before making the move to Real Madrid
• Real Madrid's president was so desperate to sign Karim Benzema that he even went to his house
• French striker Karim Benzema is Madrid's second-highest goal scorer, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way

Karim Benzema is a Los Blancos legend, but his tale of joining Real Madrid wasn't as easy as agents and club agreeing on a deal.

Following the striker's Ballon d'Or win, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez opened up on how Benzema was signed - and the story is quite heartwarming to say the least.

As noted by Sportskeeda, Perez actually went to Benzema's home in 2009 to poach the French striker from Olympique Lyonnais.

"Everyone knows I went to Benzema's house to get him to Madrid," Perez said.

Joao Felix's salary, house, cars, contract, dating, net worth, age, stats, and latest news

Football

He added that he was so happy to see Benzema win the Ballon d'Or because he's been a fan of the striker for 13 years. The decision to go to Benzema's home definitely paid off, as the Frenchman has become instrumental to Madrid's success over the years.

Benzema is currently Real Madrid's second-highest goal scorer in history, with only Cristiano Ronaldo having scored more times than him.

According to Transfermakrt, Benzema has played 615 games for Los Blancos and the French forward has scored 328 goals during that time.

He's not only good at finding the back of the net, though. He's also provided 160 assists during him time with Madrid.

A heartwarming video shows how Karim Benzema's boyhood club celebrated his Ballon d’Or win

Alexis Sanchez's net worth, salary, contract, house, cars, age, stats, and latest news

Football

Karim Benzema was named the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner on Monday, but the club he left as a young boy, SC Bron Terraillon still celebrates him to this very moment.

Benzema became the oldest first-time winner of the Ballon d’Or after bagging the coveted gong at the age of 34 in Paris, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The Real Madrid forward edged out Sadio Mane, Kevin De Bruyne and Robert Lewandowski to win his first Ballon d’Or trophy, following a superb campaign with Los Blancos.