Appearing in a short video for his current club Al-Ittihad’s television last night, Karim Benzema announced his dream team. Even though Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo shared Real Madrid’s dressing room for 9 years, the Frenchman did not include the Portuguese in his dream team. On top of leaving CR7 out, the holder of the 2022 Ballon d’Or also did not find a place for Lionel Messi among his preferred 11.
Ronaldo and Benzema both joined Real Madrid’s ranks in the summer of 2009 and went on to win 4 Champions Leagues, 3 Club World Cups, 2 LaLiga and 2 Copa del Rey titles among other trophies with Los Blancos.
Predict the Legend Benzema's Dream Team Lineup#النمور_في_المونديال#TigersInCWC pic.twitter.com/PgOdpL1xQl
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) December 10, 2023
Below are the players who Benzema listed as his preferred teammates in a 4-4-2 diamond system:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
Defenders: Daniel Alves, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo
Midfielders: Claude Makelele, Paul Pogba, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho
Forwards: Ronaldo (O’Fenomeno), Karim Benzema
French and Brazilian players are 4 each, with Benzema choosing his compatriots Claude Makelele, Paul Pogba and Zinedine Zidane for the midfield. Selecao stars include the names of Daniel Alves and Marcelo in defence, while magicians from not so distant past Ronaldinho and Ronaldo (O’Fenomeno) lead the attack.
Benzema has played for Al-Ittihad since the summer when joining from Real Madrid on a free transfer. Throughout the current season he has participated 16 times for the club, with a return of 10 goals and 4 assists.