PARIS (Reuters) – French police questioned Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on Wednesday in connection with an inquiry into an alleged attempt to blackmail fellow-France soccer international Mathieu Valbuena, a police source said. Investigators are looking into allegations of attempts to blackmail Valbuena using sex video footage and they took several others, including former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse, in for questioning in mid-October Benzema’s name came up during phone taps in relation to the inquiry opened last July, said the police source, speaking on condition of anonymity as is standard practice in France for police officers without official communications roles. “He has nothing to reproach himself for,” Benzema’s lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, was quoted as saying by French media. “He is even happy to be able to put an end to this terrible controversy.” (Reporting by Chine Labbe; Writing by Brian Love. Editing by Patrick Johnston and Ken Ferris) 

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Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

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Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports,
having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the
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follower of motorsports sport since 2001, holding Carlos Sainz Jr. and McLaren
in high regard.

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Karim Benzema is one of the most prolific strikers in world football right now. Playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid, the Frenchman has truly cemented his role as one of the most crucial players for Los Merengues and has emerged as a key superstar for La Liga as well.

Starting off his career with one of the biggest French clubs in Lyon, chances were sparse for the striker. With the team already stacked with talent, Benzema rarely got a chance. But eventually the Frenchman found his way into the XI.

[caption id="attachment_747327" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-747327" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1139540309.jpg" alt="Karim Benzema" width="1920" height="1279" /> MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 31: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and SD Huesca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 31, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)[/caption]

Playing a total of six seasons with Lyon and making 148 appearances, Benzema scored 66 goals. Given his incredible form, Real Madrid swept in for the French forward and the 33-year-old hasn?t looked back since.
<h2><strong>Karim Benzema?s Net Worth and Salary</strong></h2>
According to <a href="https://www.therichest.com/celebnetworth/athletes/richest-soccer-player-athletes/karim-benzema-net-worth/#anchor-earnings-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Richest</a>, Benzema reportedly earns around ?8.5 million per year. With a weekly wage of reportedly ?180,000 per month, the French marksman certainly is in a team friendly deal.

Despite being one of the most important contributors to the team, Benzema's reasonable wages has helped the club accommodate superstar talents like David Alaba and Eden Hazard.

The Frenchman now has even extended his contract to 2023. Given how important he is, expect the striker to earn a fortune by the end of his stint with Real.

[caption id="attachment_747332" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-747332" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1234861161.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> VALENCIA, SPAIN - AUGUST 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid controls the ball during the La Liga Santader match between Levante UD and Real Madrid CF at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)[/caption]
<h3>On-pitch?Achievements</h3>
The Frenchman's start in a stacked Lyon side was surely full of hardships. Struggling to break it into the starting line-up, Benzema's future seemed a bit uncertain. But eventually the French giants recognized how talented Benzema was.

The striker slowly but steadily started to produce the goods as he chipped in with 95 goal contributions in 140 games. Real Madrid certainly took notice of Benz' talents. Buying him for ?35 million, Real hoped that the Frenchman can become a mainstay at the striker position.

The now 33-year-old certainly stepped up and repaid the coaches' trust as he shared the forward duties with Gonzalo Higuain. But Benzema's role changed with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger who usually used to cut in and score goals became the main offensive weapon for Real.

<img class="size-full wp-image-102587 aligncenter" src="https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/B9_0iI0IMAAcXE8.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="445" />

This meant that the likes of Higuain and Benzema needed to adjust accordingly. While Ronaldo's numbers increased rapidly, the Frenchman's numbers took a dip as he was more involved in build-up play. Setting up CR7 and Gareth Bale, Benzema often went under the radar.

His lack of goals also drew a lot of criticisms and many doubted whether he was fit to be the striker for Real Madrid. Even his international career was in jeopardy as he fell out of favor under manager Didier Deschamps.

<img class="size-full wp-image-103092 aligncenter" src="https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/041316-SOCCER-France-Karim-Benzema-PI-JW.vadapt.664.high_.1.jpg" alt="" width="664" height="373" />

But the Frenchman certainly took note of all this and once Ronaldo made his move to Juventus, Benzema showed why Real Madrid signed him in the first place. In a rather disappointing 2018-19 season, Benzema shined the brightest as he led Los Merengues in terms of scoring.

The 33-year-old topped his 2018-19 season, with an incredible 2019-20 season as he led Real to a La Liga championship and only trailed Lionel Messi for the Pichichi trophy. His incredible form in the last three seasons certainly paid off as he was recalled to the French team for the 2020 Euros.

[caption id="attachment_747325" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-747325" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1298135435.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1367" /> VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - JANUARY 23: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alav?s and Real Madrid at Estadio de Mendizorroza on January 23, 2021 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)[/caption]

While the world champions crashed out, Benzema impressed as he chipped in with 4 goals. Given that Real still haven't made any attacking additions to the team, Los Merengues will hope that Benzema can continue to be the go-to goal scorer he has been.
<h2>Karim Benzema?s Endorsements</h2>
Karim Benzema is perhaps one of the biggest superstars in Real Madrid and in La Liga as well. Given the immense popularity of the Frenchman, the 33-year-old has some big brand endorsements.

Perhaps the biggest of them all is Adidas. Benzema has been donning the Adidas stripes for over a decade now. Another big brand deal that the Frenchman has is that of Hyundai.

<img class="size-full wp-image-736074 aligncenter" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Karim-Benzema-Training.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1029" />

Some other brands that the 33-year-old striker endorses are EA Sports, Bwin and French companies like LCL (Le Cr?dit Lyonnais) and SFR (Soci?t? fran?aise du radiot?l?phone).
<h3><strong>Foundations and Charity Work</strong></h3>
Karim Benzema certainly is one of the biggest names in Madrid and is one of the most active players off the pitch as well. While he has had multiple donations, his biggest charity work is with the <a href="https://www.charitystars.com/collection/benzema-en/closed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CharityStars</a>.

A venture that allows the players to sell their own memorabilia, the auctioned money then is used for charitable causes. Some of the most iconic Real Madrid jerseys have also featured in the side showing how committed the Frenchman is to give back to the community.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Age</strong></td>
<td width="297">33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Marital Status</strong></td>
<td width="297">Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Spouse</strong></td>
<td width="297">Cora Gauthier</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Height</strong></td>
<td width="297">1.85m (6 ft 1 in)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Teams</strong></td>
<td width="297">Olympique Lyonnais, Real Madrid</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Residence</strong></td>
<td width="297">La Moraleja</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Nationality</strong></td>
<td width="297">France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Endorsements</strong></td>
<td width="297">Adidas, EA Sports, Hyundai, Bwin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="299"><strong>Agent</strong></td>
<td width="297">Karim Djaziri</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema is one of the most prolific strikers in world football right now. Playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid, the Frenchman has truly cemented his role as one of the most crucial players for Los Merengues and has emerged as a key superstar for La Liga as well. Starting off his career with one of the biggest French clubs in Lyon, chances were sparse for the striker. With the team already stacked with talent, Benzema rarely got a chance. But eventually the Frenchman found his way into the XI. MADRID, SPAIN &#8211; MARCH 31: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and SD Huesca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 31, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) Playing a total of six seasons with Lyon and making 148 appearances, Benzema scored 66 goals. Given his incredible form, Real Madrid swept in for the French forward and the 33-year-old hasn?t looked back since. Karim Benzema?s Net Worth and Salary According to The Richest, Benzema reportedly earns around ?8.5 million per year. With a weekly wage of reportedly ?180,000 per month, the French marksman certainly is in a team friendly deal. Despite being one of the most important contributors to the team, Benzema&#8217;s reasonable wages has helped the club accommodate superstar talents like David Alaba and Eden Hazard. The Frenchman now has even extended his contract to 2023. Given how important he is, expect the striker to earn a fortune by the end of his stint with Real. VALENCIA, SPAIN &#8211; AUGUST 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid controls the ball during the La Liga Santader match between Levante UD and Real Madrid CF at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) On-pitch?Achievements The Frenchman&#8217;s start in a stacked Lyon side was surely full of hardships. Struggling to break it into the starting line-up, Benzema&#8217;s future seemed a bit uncertain. But eventually the French giants recognized how talented Benzema was. The striker slowly but steadily started to produce the goods as he chipped in with 95 goal contributions in 140 games. Real Madrid certainly took notice of Benz&#8217; talents. Buying him for ?35 million, Real hoped that the Frenchman can become a mainstay at the striker position. The now 33-year-old certainly stepped up and repaid the coaches&#8217; trust as he shared the forward duties with Gonzalo Higuain. But Benzema&#8217;s role changed with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger who usually used to cut in and score goals became the main offensive weapon for Real. This meant that the likes of Higuain and Benzema needed to adjust accordingly. While Ronaldo&#8217;s numbers increased rapidly, the Frenchman&#8217;s numbers took a dip as he was more involved in build-up play. Setting up CR7 and Gareth Bale, Benzema often went under the radar. His lack of goals also drew a lot of criticisms and many doubted whether he was fit to be the striker for Real Madrid. Even his international career was in jeopardy as he fell out of favor under manager Didier Deschamps. But the Frenchman certainly took note of all this and once Ronaldo made his move to Juventus, Benzema showed why Real Madrid signed him in the first place. In a rather disappointing 2018-19 season, Benzema shined the brightest as he led Los Merengues in terms of scoring. The 33-year-old topped his 2018-19 season, with an incredible 2019-20 season as he led Real to a La Liga championship and only trailed Lionel Messi for the Pichichi trophy. His incredible form in the last three seasons certainly paid off as he was recalled to the French team for the 2020 Euros. VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN &#8211; JANUARY 23: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team&#8217;s second goal during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alav?s and Real Madrid at Estadio de Mendizorroza on January 23, 2021 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) While the world champions crashed out, Benzema impressed as he chipped in with 4 goals. Given that Real still haven&#8217;t made any attacking additions to the team, Los Merengues will hope that Benzema can continue to be the go-to goal scorer he has been. Karim Benzema?s Endorsements Karim Benzema is perhaps one of the biggest superstars in Real Madrid and in La Liga as well. Given the immense popularity of the Frenchman, the 33-year-old has some big brand endorsements. Perhaps the biggest of them all is Adidas. Benzema has been donning the Adidas stripes for over a decade now. Another big brand deal that the Frenchman has is that of Hyundai. Some other brands that the 33-year-old striker endorses are EA Sports, Bwin and French companies like LCL (Le Cr?dit Lyonnais) and SFR (Soci?t? fran?aise du radiot?l?phone). Foundations and Charity Work Karim Benzema certainly is one of the biggest names in Madrid and is one of the most active players off the pitch as well. While he has had multiple donations, his biggest charity work is with the CharityStars. A venture that allows the players to sell their own memorabilia, the auctioned money then is used for charitable causes. Some of the most iconic Real Madrid jerseys have also featured in the side showing how committed the Frenchman is to give back to the community.  Age 33  Marital Status Married  Spouse Cora Gauthier  Height 1.85m (6 ft 1 in)  Teams Olympique Lyonnais, Real Madrid  Residence La Moraleja  Nationality France  Endorsements Adidas, EA Sports, Hyundai, Bwin  Agent Karim Djaziri