Topics: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Copa Del Rey
He's only gone and done it again. Karim Benzema scored another hat-trick for Real Madrid in Wednesday night's emphatic 4-0 win over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey – and he did so while fasting for Ramadan.
The 35-year-old forward, who is currently observing Ramadan as part of his Muslim faith, has previously spoken about taking part in the holy month of fasting.
Speaking to Esquire last year, he revealed that taking part in Ramadan has no impact on his game.
"Ramadan is part of my life and my religion makes Ramadan an obligation," he said: "For me, it’s very important and I feel good when I’m fasting."
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Then, when asked what he is grateful for in life, the Frenchman replied: "I am grateful for being in good health."
The Islamic holy month began on Wednesday 22 March and since, Benzema has been feeling good. Really good.
On Sunday afternoon, in Real Madrid's La Liga clash against Valladolid, the France international scored a seven-minute hat-trick that included a quite sublime bicycle kick.
And just days later, the Los Blancos striker bagged another three goals – this time in the famous Camp Nou, where they sealed a place in the Copa del Rey final with a dominant victory over bitter rivals Barcelona.
In fact, as a result of his exploits against Xavi's side, Benzema became the first Real Madrid player to score a hat-trick at the Camp Nou since Ferenc Puskas in 1963.
He is also the first Los Blancos player since Ivan Zamorano in 1995 to score three during an El Clasico.
Benzema, who was born in France but is of Algerian descent, knows the great impact religion has in his life.
Speaking to Vogue magazine in 2019, he said: “My faith helps me to be focused every day. It brings me benefits and it’s my strength for me, my family, as well as for my work -- for literally everything.”
He also he wants his children to grow up knowing their heritage, with religion being an important pillar.
"I am always guided by my faith and my values,” he goes on. “It’s important to me to not forget where I came from, as the simplest things in life are the most important.
"The foundations of a building will help it stand straight. I want to inculcate this heritage to my children. I hope that it will always be a part of them and that when in doubt, they can refer to these values and their faith.”
