Benzema mocks journalist who played down his historic standing | OneFootball

Karim Benzema hit back at French journalist Yoann Riou after the pundit downplayed his place among the game’s great strikers, responding with a mocking message on Instagram.

According to Goal.com, the exchange followed Benzema’s appearance at the Esports World Cup, where he ranked himself on the podium behind his childhood idol, Ronaldo Nazario.

Riou argued on L’Equipe’s channel that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was not among the top 20 strikers ever, and perhaps not even in the top 30.

Benzema replied directly under L’Equipe’s Instagram video, laughing off the criticism and telling Riou it was late, he should go to sleep and wake up early.

Separately, Al-Hilal announced on 31 August 2026 that they had terminated Benzema’s contract by mutual consent, six months after he joined from Al-Ittihad.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”