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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Footballer Christian Benteke

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Footballer Christian Benteke

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DRC-born football star Christian Benteke has a goal-scoring touch. The 23-year-old plays for the Belgium national team. He quickly won the hearts of Aston Villa fans by scoring in his very first game when the team beat Swansea City. While many soccer fans are familiar with his presence on the field, other aspects of his life remain a mystery. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about footballer Christian Benteke.

Sources: Goal.com, DailyMail.co.uk, FamousBirthdays.com, Avfc.co.uk, BirminghamMail.co.uk, Espnfc.com, CommunityUK.net, TransferMarkt.com, SoccerFame.com, Independent.co.uk

Liège, Belgium en.wikipedia.org
Liège, Belgium
en.wikipedia.org

1. His family fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Christian Benteke was born in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. His family fled the country out of fear of the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko. They moved to Liège, a city in Belgium. The footballer was 3 when he came to Belgium.

benteke

2. His  last name is actually Liolo

Even though everyone knows him as Christian Benteke, his full name is actually Christian Benteke Liolo.

theguardian.com
theguardian.com

3. He played for three teams during his youth career

Benteke started his youth career in 1996 at JS Pierreuse at age 6, where he remained until 2004.

mirror.co.uk
mirror.co.uk

4. He was a football star as a teen

During his teens, he played for the clubs Standard Liege (2004-2006) and Koninklijke Racing Club Genk (2006-2007). He is credited with helping Standard Liege win the Belgian First Division title in 2009. During this period, he established himself as a leading goal scorer.

theguardian.com
theguardian.com

5. He is a man of faith

After scoring a goal, the deeply religious Benteke is usually seen looking up and pointing towards the sky. According to the football star, it’s his way of thanking God.

mirror.co.uk
mirror.co.uk

6. Benteke has played more than 20 games since joining Aston Villa

The young player has made 64 appearances for Aston Villa since joining the club in August 2012. During this time, he has scored an impressive 33 goals for this premier league team through March 5, 2014.

thesun.co.uk
thesun.co.uk

7. Benteke has an impressive scoring average

Christian Benteke’s scoring average per game up to his March 2, 2014 match is 1.939 goals.

telegraph.co.uk
telegraph.co.uk

8. Benteke has played for other teams

Christian Benteke has played with a number of clubs and teams despite being just 23. In addition to those listed above, he has also played for KV Kortrijk (2009-2010) and Mechelen (2010-2011).

telegraph.co.uk
telegraph.co.uk

9. He has received 11 cards since his professional career

As can be expected from a powerful player, Benteke has received his fair share of cards for infringements. So far he has been handed one red card and 10 yellow cards.

en.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org

10. Benteke sends money home but has never returned to his birthplace

Despite saying he wants to one day return and visit his birthplace, Benteke believes that the DRC is not safe enough to visit. The footballer hopes to visit his homeland at some point in the future. He has said in interviews that he sends money home to his relatives to help them.