Karim Benzema and Al Ittihad made a winning start in their FIFA Club World Cup campaign. The Saudi club had a convincing 3-0 victory over the New Zealand side, Auckland City. Benzema’s close-range finish in the match saw him enter the record books and create history. However, it seems the former Ballon d’Or winner is not too keen on stats as he prioritizes the team over individual achievements.

Before the tournament began, Karim sent a message to fans regarding Al Ittihad’s ambitions. With 11 goals and four assists, the Frenchman has been in fine form this campaign. Hence, the reigning SPL champions will be banking on the prolific striker to help them succeed in the club World Cup. King Karim is at it again!

Following the record-breaking goal, Karim Benzema reveals his thoughts

Karim Benzema made history by becoming the first soccer player to score in four different FIFA Club World Cups. However, it is his comments following the achievement that attracted attention. The Al-Ittihad striker said, “Record numbers don’t matter to me… the team’s interest is more important.” The words offer an understanding of Benzema’s altruistic mentality.

Although Benzema might not prefer chasing records, records seem to be chasing him. The current tournament provides Karim with a rare opportunity to become only the second player after former teammate Toni Kroos to win 6 Club World Cups. Considering that no Saudi side has won the tournament till now, Benzema has another chance to make history.

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The Frenchman has participated in 5 previous tournament editions and emerged victorious. The only time he didn’t score was in the 2018 World Cup. With five goals in ten games, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have scored more goals in the FIFA Club World Cup than the veteran striker.

Karim Benzema Issues Warning to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup

Despite his impressive numbers, the former Real Madrid man never seemed to appreciate the buzz regarding numbers and statistics. His comments back in 2022 perfectly illustrate this.

The preference of trophies over individual stats!

Back in January 2022, the striker expressed his views regarding statistics in soccer to France Football. He stated that soccer has become a sport where people give a lot of importance to stats and not to what a player does on the pitch. Karim also remarked that he was not a fan of the obsession with the numbers.

Interestingly, this was the Frenchman’s best season in terms of statistics. Karim recorded 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games in the 21/22 season and helped power Real Madrid to their 15th Champions League win. Hence, Benzema’s current claims regarding numbers and records perfectly align with his old viewpoint.

Do you agree with Benzema? Let us know in the comments below.

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