Karim Benzema – Before
Karim Benzema grew up in a low-income part of Lyon where his family settled after emigrating to France from Algeria. His family back at home had a history of run-ins with the law, and it seemed as if Karim had also inherited comfort in that lifestyle. It wasn’t long before Karim had gotten involved with local gangs, but his father wouldn’t let his son fall victim to that lifestyle.
His father, Hafid, was a disciplinarian and wanted to instill his behaviors in his son. He enrolled Karim into Catholic school, which was where he developed a love for soccer.