Real Madrid

Marca today features an article that highlights Benzema's devotion for both Ronaldo and Real Madrid. The French striker dreamt of having a shirt that belonged to the Brazilian star when he was a child in the academy of Olympique Lyonnais. Thanks to Florentino Perez and Lyonnais President Jean-Michelle Aulas, Benzema received his idol's signed shirt.

Real Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais clashed at the Bernabeu on 23 November 2005 with Presidents Florentino Perez and Jean-Michelle Aulas in the Presidential Balcony. "I need you to do me a favour," said the latter to the former, "I have a kid that's just about to make his debut with the first team and he is nuts about Ronaldo. Could you get me a shirt signed by him?" "No problem," replied Perez, "I will personally send it to you." That kid was Karim Benzema. 

A few days later, Benzema received a gift that would forever change his life: Ronaldo's shirt dedicated the following way, "For Karim. Affectionately, Ronnie." There and then, Benzema decided he would wear that same shirt in the future. 

The striker made his debut with Olympique on 6 December 2005 against Rosenborg and scored his first goal in a European competition. He was still 17 years old.