Karim Benzema loves the Club World Cup! Ex-Real Madrid forward breaks tournament goalscoring record with strike for Al-Ittihad against Auckland City

The French forward became the first player to score in four different FIFA Club World Cup editions with his strike in the 40th minute in a comfortable 3-0 win for the Saudi Pro League side. The scoring spree began with Brazilian forward Romarinho's deflected effort in the 29th minute, followed by former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante's superb strike just five minutes later. Benzema then completed the triumphant display by knocking in the third goal.

It is Benzema's sixth appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup after appearing with Los Blancos the previous five times. Remarkably, Benzema has won every edition that he has played, lifting the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022.

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, congratulated Benzema for his remarkable achievement and wrote on Instagram: "Congratulations 🇫🇷 @karimbenzema on becoming the first player to score in 4 FIFA Club World Cups ⚽️🎖️An incredible achievement by a great player, my best wishes to you for this edition 👏 🤗"

Benzema has five goals in 10 appearances in the Club World Cup and trails Cristiano Ronaldo (7) and Gareth Bale (6) in the all-time leading top-scorers list in the competition.

Benzema could end up facing reigning European champions Manchester City in the final if Al-Ittihad beat Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense in the semi-finals after getting the better of Al Ahly of Egypt in the last-eight. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's side will play their first match in the semi-final stage either against Mexico's Leon or Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds on December 19.