Karim Benzema has never hidden how important Ramadan is to him, not only spiritually, but also in football terms. The veteran striker, now with Al-Hilal, says the holy month regularly coincides with some of his strongest performances, a trend he believes is driven more by mindset than by physical factors.
In a short interview shared by Al-Hilal, Benzema was asked about his reputation for shining during Ramadan. He answered simply, with a smile: “Yes, that’s true… because it’s Ramadan.”
It was a brief line, but one that reflects a pattern seen across his career.
Benzema has explained on several occasions before that fasting does not weaken him physically. If anything, he says it sharpens his concentration and motivation. “My performances are better during Ramadan. It makes me more focused and increases my strength and enthusiasm,” he has said in past interviews when discussing the period.
For him, the month brings a different rhythm: stricter routines, mental clarity and a sense of discipline that translates onto the pitch. He considers fasting part of his balance as an athlete and insists it does not disrupt his usual fitness levels.
– C’est vrai que tes meilleures performances ont lieu durant le Ramadan ?
🗣️ Karim Benzema : « Oui. 😄»
– Pourquoi ?
🗣️ Benzema : « Parce que c’est le Ramadan ! »pic.twitter.com/uxwr9x0zen
— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) February 17, 2026
A pattern that dates back to Madrid
The idea of “Ramadan Benzema” became widely discussed during his time at Real Madrid. One of the most cited examples came in spring 2022, when he delivered a series of decisive Champions League performances during the fasting period.
That run included a memorable hat-trick against Chelsea in the quarter-final first leg, a performance that came shortly after he had broken his fast and that helped define Real Madrid’s European campaign that season. For anyone watching, it became impossible to ignore: Ramadan wasn’t slowing Benzema down but it was actually when he was at his absolute best.
Now playing in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema is preparing for his first Ramadan match of 2026 with Al-Hilal with a derby against his former club Al-Ittihad at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Speaking ahead of the match, Benzema reiterated that he feels at his “best level” during Ramadan and hopes to continue that trend this season.
At this stage of his career, Benzema views Ramadan not as a period requiring careful management but rather as a time that enhances his focus and competitive spirit. The structure of fasting, the atmosphere around the month and the added motivation it brings all seem to play a role.
