Karim Benzema has named his all-time football XI, and it features two former Manchester United players.
The French striker will be remembered for his remarkable longevity, success at Real Madrid, and his evolution from a prospect at Lyon to one of the world’s most dominant players in his later years.
Karim Benzema attracted attention from Manchester United after breaking into the Lyon senior team, winning four Ligue 1 titles and starring against the Red Devils in the 2008 Champions League knockout stage.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
It is understood that Sir Alex Ferguson courted him in the tunnel of Lyon’s old stadium, the Stade Gerland, but he would go on to sign for Real Madrid and win everything possible with the La Liga giants.
There will always be a feeling at Old Trafford that Benzema got away. The quality of his goal against United in 2008 was sensational. He was a young striker holding his own against the two best centre-backs in Europe at the time, but neither Nemanja Vidic nor Rio Ferdinand could get close to him as he sent his shot past Edwin van der Sar.
Benzema is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ittihad, but he will be remembered in Europe as one of the most decorated players of all time.
Paul Pogba watching Monaco take on Man City in the Champions League
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Karim Benzema names Paul Pogba in Best XI of all-time
In a TikTok challenge with Spanish outlet AS, Benzema named his best XI of all-time.
There is no shortage of winners in the team, although some of Benzema’s selections will cause debate, such as Paul Pogba’s inclusion. The French midfielder has unquestionable talent, but he flopped massively after returning to United for a then-world record transfer fee.
More United News
After winning the World Cup in 2018, it would be fair to say Pogba’s career has spiralled downwards. He is currently under contract at Monaco but has yet to make his first appearance for the club.
However, Pogba was not the only former United player named in Benzema’s all-time best XI. Cristiano Ronaldo also got the nod after spending a chunk of his career with the French forward at Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema’s all-time best XI
Manuel Neuer
Dani Alves
Pepe
Sergio Ramos
Marcelo
Paul Pogba
Zinedine Zidane
Ronaldinho
Lionel Messi
Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
What Karim Benzema said about snubbing Man Utd for Real Madrid
Benzema admitted that United were interested in his signature after signing for Real Madrid.
In an interview with Onda Cero, as quoted by the Daily Mail, Benzema explained how his transfer to Real Madrid materialised.
“I remember I was with my friends. They called me, my family and my agent, to tell me that I had to go home quickly and that we had to talk. ‘I told them I didn’t have time , and they told me ‘you have to come, Florentino is here. I opened the door and saw him, I didn’t say anything, just ‘hello’.
Who should start as striker for Man Utd with Benjamin Sesko injured?
”There were quite a few clubs that contacted me, like Manchester [United], Inter and Barcelona, but I decided to come here. Real Madrid are an excellent club. I’ve dreamt about playing here since I was 15 years old. Florentino [Pérez] spoke to me about the team and the project that he wanted to create.
“It was very exciting. Real Madrid fans have a special relationship with the players and I am very grateful for that. I felt some strong emotions today and that’s why I kissed the badge.”