By Elsa Girard-Basset | Web journalist
If it was on the pitch that he made the most noise, Karim Benzema also had a slightly more “jet set” period, during which he opened up about his private life. This is how in 2005, the former Madrilenian was very frequently seen in the company of Rihanna, with whom, according to several sources close to the singer, a romance began. Afterwards, he raised the subject twice.
The world of sport and showbiz is sometimes full of incongruous stories, and the one between Karim Benzema and Rihanna clearly falls into this category. During 2015, the footballer and the artist were regularly seen together, in restaurants, nightclubs and elsewhere. And if neither he nor she spoke about it publicly, the American's friends are clear: it was indeed a love story.
Those close to Rihanna had also told the “Daily Mail” that she had “taken the time to get to know (Benzema), and that she had not felt anything like that”. The fact remains that this love affair eventually ended, without the general public knowing why. What is certain, however, is that Benzema himself mentioned his ex in the press.
Karim Benzema's few words on Rihanna
In an interview given to Inrocks in 2017, the “Nueve” did not really wish to expand on this relationship. However, he had very sympathetic words about the singer:
I was very happy to meet her. She is very different from the image we might have of her. She doesn't take herself seriously. It was really good to see each other.
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3 years later, when Covid-19 had confined all of Europe, the Al-Ittihad striker briefly raised the subject again by responding to Mohamed Henni, who encouraged him to “call Rihanna”. Footballer's response:
Brother, I don't have his Instagram, I don't follow him, I don't follow her. I never subscribed!
For his part, “Riri” has never spoken publicly about his story, love or friendship, with Benzema. On the other hand, in an interview given to “Vanity Fair” at the time, she complained of seeing romances sometimes attributed to her without foundation:
Sometimes it's just someone I'm meeting for the first time, and suddenly we're together. It's creepy. This industry manufactures stories and contexts that make it potentially awkward to just make friends! If I'm seen sitting next to someone, or standing, what, am I not allowed? Seriously ! Do you think this will stop me from seeing a friend?
After setting the networks on fire for a few months, it seems that Karim Benzema and Rihanna have decided to part ways for good – and their respective personal situations in recent years prove it. In any case, no animosity seems to remain between the two stars judging by the words of “Nueve”, and that is the essential thing.
