This article marks the beginning of our My Game In My Words 2024 series. Stay tuned for more articles in the series here.
In 2022, just moments after making his debut for D.C. United in Major League Soccer, Christian Benteke engaged in conversation with American journalists for the first time. With only 15 minutes of game play behind him, there wasn’t much to discuss, and soon Benteke found himself answering the same predictable questions that many European players face upon arriving in the United States.
A reporter inquired why Benteke — who had spent 11 years playing in the English Premier League — chose to join D.C. United.
Typically, incoming Major League Soccer players respond in a similar manner, often using the opportunity to commend the league’s progress or to characterize their move as a distinctive chance to contribute to the growing appeal of soccer in the U.S. Such responses can sometimes seem rehearsed or insincere. However, Benteke’s reply felt authentic.
“I wanted to choose something that brings me joy,” he explained, “and I’m prepared to face any consequences. My aim was simply to pursue something that would make me happy every day. That’s the essence of my decision. I didn’t consider anything else.”
Benteke moved to D.C. United in search of happiness. Although the experience has been mixed for the club itself — as they haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2019 and currently hover near the edge of contention — the former striker for Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace has undeniably emerged as one of the most formidable attacking players in MLS. He currently leads the Golden Boot race with two goals ahead of three competitors, including Uruguayan icon Luis Suarez, and has established himself as one of the league’s most dominant players in the air, even managing to register more headers than shots with his right foot this season (see below).
Benteke’s journey to this point, however, has not always been straightforward. He fled what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo at the tender age of three. His formative years involved honing his talents in informal street games in Liege, leading to a career that took a convoluted route through Belgium and England. Statistically, Benteke ranks among the Premier League’s modern greats. He has scored more goals than renowned players like Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres, and Eden Hazard. His total of 86 goals is just one shy of the legendary Dennis Bergkamp’s record at Arsenal, achieved in 35 fewer matches. All of his success came while playing for teams that were largely uncompetitive and often failed to tailor their strategies to feature him.
Nearly two years after Benteke stated he had joined MLS to reclaim the joy in his life, he
As he walks into United’s suburban training facility, Benteke takes a seat to review a compilation of goals and defining moments from his career. Recently signing a contract extension has made the prospect of retiring in MLS feel tangible. He exudes a sense of relaxation, calmness, and composure. A smile crosses his face when he recalls his initial remarks upon joining MLS, noting that his move to D.C. was primarily motivated by the joy of living.
“Every day I wake up, I feel grateful,” Benteke expresses. “On my way to practice, I realize I’m doing the job that I’ve always dreamed of. This reflects in my style of play.”
His warmth and positivity shine through as he reviews his goals over the next half hour — it feels less like analysis and more like a nostalgic journey through treasured memories.
This is Christian Benteke’s game in his words…
Benteke began his football journey at the age of six in Belgium, where he played streetball near housing projects. He caught the attention of a local youth club, JS Pierreuse, and his performances there led him to the youth system of renowned Belgian club Standard Liege. In 2007, seeking first-team experience, Benteke moved north to Genk.
“I was thrilled,” Benteke recalls. “I had a clear vision. That’s why I chose to leave my childhood club, Standard Liege, where I grew up. At that time, players like Sebastien Pocognoli, Faris Haroun, and Logan Bailly were my role models; they were all young—16, 17, and 18—playing with the first team. It was an opportunity to showcase my talent, which is why I decided to join Genk, as they were offering chances to young players.”
However, Benteke’s journey at Genk proved to be just as challenging as his experiences in the Premier League. Initially, he found it difficult to settle in and ended up spending consecutive seasons on loan. It wasn’t until 2011 that he truly established himself at Genk, notably while playing alongside another rising star who would become one of football’s most well-rounded players: Kevin De Bruyne.
“I’m two years older than him,” Benteke notes. “When I arrived, he wasn’t even training with the first team. Then, he transitioned from the U-19 squad to…
the first team. He was quite slender, but one could tell from his footwork that he would evolve into a top player.”
Benteke instantly identifies the goal we present to him (regardless of the low-quality footage). He claims to recall nearly every goal he has scored, particularly when they are shown to him. De Bruyne’s legendary vision has been apparent since his early days, and this match against Anderlecht in April 2012 showcases that as he maneuvers a diagonal route through the midfield and receives a through ball from about 40 yards out.
De Bruyne pauses briefly and then expertly touches the ball to slice between two defenders.
Meanwhile, Benteke holds his position and arrives in the center of the penalty area just as De Bruyne delivers a beautiful pass into space.
This goal epitomizes Benteke: brave, precise, and perfectly timed. He is taken down by the defender as he deftly directs the ball past the Anderlecht goalkeeper.
The striker has mostly been reserved, but a smile begins to emerge as he observes. Over the years, much of his playing style has stayed the same. He finds it hard to pinpoint any specific advice he would offer his younger self.
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he states. “I always had a clear vision. My aspiration was to become a superstar, regardless of the challenges. I faced significant hardships. My goal was clear: I aimed to be a star and reach the Premier League, and I was prepared to do whatever it took.”
Benteke scoring a powerful header in February 2012 for Genk (Jimmy Bolcina/Photonews via Getty Images)
This vision materialized in 2012 when Aston Villa acquired him from Genk for £7 million ($9.3 million at current rates). This amount was substantial for a player who was relatively unknown at that time. Doubts lingered among both the media and fans. Benteke recalls feeling nervous before making his debut against Swansea City on September 15. He stepped onto the pitch with 20 minutes remaining and increased Villa’s lead to 2-0 after capitalizing on a mistake made by Swansea’s center-back, Ashley Williams. To this day, that goal stands out as his all-time favorite.
“It may not have been the prettiest goal, but it was my very first goal with Aston Villa,” Benteke reflects. “I emphasize this because I came from a small country, Belgium, and was stepping into a larger arena, scoring on my debut. The transfer fee paid for me was incredibly high for someone who was largely unknown. That goal shaped my career in England. It instilled confidence in me, earned respect from my teammates, and garnered affection from the fanbase.”
His impact at Villa was immediate, and Benteke maintained impressive productivity throughout his tenure. He netted 42 goals in 89 appearances for the club, including two hat-tricks, the second of which occurred against Queens Park Rangers in April 2015.
Benteke’s opening two goals that night were sharp, right-footed finishes. The first one benefited from a favorable deflection…
<img loading="lazy" width="2910" height="1620" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5777418" src="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18155726/Screenshot-2024-09-18-at-20.40.55.png" alt="" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18155726/Screenshot-2024-09-18-at-20.40.55.png 2910w, https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18155726/Screenshot-2024-09-18-at-20.40.55-300×167.png 300w, https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18155726/Screenshot-2024-09-18-at-20.40.55-1024×570.png 1024w, https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18155726/Screenshot-2024-09-18-at-20.40.55-1536×855.png 1536w, https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18155726/Screenshot-2024-09-18-at-20.40.55-2048×1140.png 2048w"
The second shot displayed exceptional technique; he appeared to angle it towards the far corner, cleverly using the QPR defender to shield the ball from the goalkeeper before expertly curling it into the near corner. The defensive players were caught off guard.
His third goal of the evening — which occurred when Villa was down by one in the closing minutes of the match — felt entirely different.
Approaching a stationary ball from about 25 yards away, he brushed past a stunned Charles N’Zogbia, Villa’s favored player for set pieces.
“I had never taken free kicks before in my life,” Benteke recalls. “I remember Charles N’Zogbia saying, ‘Let me take it!’. I replied, ‘No, no, no’. We were trailing 3-2, I had two goals, and I was in the zone, feeling it. I thought, ‘Tonight is my night’. I told him, ‘No, bro, I’ve got this’.
“I spoke to him in a way that implied, ‘Hey, I’m a specialist’,” he chuckles. “That was quite amusing. Such is the life of a striker. When everything falls into place, you accomplish things without even realizing how.”
Benteke’s flawlessly executed free kick struck the near post before finding the back of the net, leveling the score and igniting chaos in Villa Park.
N’Zogbia chuckled and jogged over to Benteke to join in the celebration. However, the remarkable strike did not turn Benteke into a free-kick expert; he seldom took such kicks afterward.
“I embrace the moment,” Benteke explains. “It’s all part of being a striker. Occasionally, when you’re feeling on top of your game, you might attempt a shot from 30 yards—a move you’d usually shy away from. This is especially true if you’ve already scored two goals and are eager for a hat trick, leading you to venture into uncharacteristic actions that wouldn’t typically happen in a standard match.”
Benteke’s consistent performance during his time at Villa earned him the deep admiration of the supporters, with one fan taking it to remarkable lengths. Prince William received a pair of Benteke’s socks, which he has worn in charity matches around the years. It remains uncertain whether he ever laundered them.
The Belgian forward laughs.
“I spoke to him while I was at Villa because he’s an Aston Villa supporter,” Benteke recounts. “I’ve been invited to represent Aston Villa at an event in London—either a gala or a ceremony. He’s genuinely a great guy.”
Engaging in activities like these, where a player sits down to review old videos of themselves, can sometimes feel monotonous for athletes. Generally, they prefer discussions centered on the present. Reliving moments of their past triumphs—especially during times when they are not in the spotlight—can pose a daunting task, akin to a band constantly asked to perform their greatest hits.
However, you won’t find this sentiment from Benteke. Even when discussing the more difficult periods of his career—both in the Premier League and with the Belgium national team—he remains proud of every goal he scored.
His impressive performances at Villa Park led to a surprising transfer to Liverpool, who spent a significant sum to acquire him. At that time, the fee of £32.5 million to activate his release clause made him the club’s second-costliest signing ever, just behind Andy Carroll.
There were naysayers, including the club’s director of research Ian Graham, who recently shared in his book that he pleaded with Liverpool’s owners not to acquire Benteke. Nevertheless, manager Brendan Rodgers was determined, and the owner Fenway Sports Group ultimately relented. For a time, it appeared that Benteke would fit into Rodgers’ strategy, but that plan was quickly abandoned. Just three months after Benteke joined, Rodgers was dismissed and succeeded by Jurgen Klopp.
Although Benteke was not part of Klopp’s vision, he did have instances of brilliance at Liverpool. Just before reviewing his next goal, he smiles and reflects on it.
“This goal,” he starts, “represents more than just a goal. When I’m walking down the street, it doesn’t matter if someone supports Manchester United, Liverpool, or any other club—they always stop me to talk about this goal. Children, adults, people from all walks of life, they always want to discuss this moment.”
It’s easy to see why. Benteke’s breathtaking scissor-kick against Manchester United stands out as perhaps the most spectacular goal of his career. As Jordon Ibe’s cross is deflected by Daley Blind near the six-yard area, it arcs toward Benteke, who, astonishingly, remains completely unmarked during its flight—two and a half seconds that feel like an eternity.
<img loading="lazy" width="2868" height="1486" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5777825" src="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18180947/overhead-1.png" alt="" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18180947/overhead-1.png 2868w, https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18180947/overhead-1-300×155.png 300w, https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09
He steps back several feet, continuously keeping an eye on the ball.
While unmarked, Benteke could have easily redirected the ball toward the goal or a teammate — yet that was never his intention.
“I act on instinct,” Benteke explains. “Once I saw the ball, I knew what I was going to do, and I was certain that if I made solid contact, it would lead to a goal.”
The space and time given to Benteke are often attributed to his notable physical strength and size. He is certainly an imposing figure. However, his elite positioning and timing are clearly evident here. He is quick to highlight another factor: the poor defending he faced.
“If you observe,” he states, rewinding the footage, “They are all focused on the ball. If you look back, I believe it was Ander Herrera who was the first to react, but by that point, it was too late. I had already regained control.”
<img loading="lazy" width="2908" height="1552" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5777832" src="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/09/18181102/overhead-4.png" alt="" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/
Christian Benteke’s period at Liverpool is often regarded as a letdown, seen as a bad investment, a final indulgence prior to the more strategic approach in transfers that marked the beginning of the Klopp era.
However, this assessment reflects a broader narrative that has followed the Belgian throughout his football journey. His most remarkable performances generally occurred during challenging times for clubs or while overshadowed by other players. Nonetheless, he consistently demonstrated his productivity during his time in England.
““I don’t hold any regrets regarding my time there,” he states. “I cherish my journey. Knowing where I started, I take pride in my story. Every experience has been a blessing and a valuable lesson. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Benteke made his exit from Liverpool to become Crystal Palace’s record signing, joining for £27 million. Identified by then-manager Alan Pardew as a key player for the attack, he was supported by Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha on the wings.
Initially, this attacking trio connected well. In the 2016-17 season, he netted 15 league goals at Selhurst Park, the highest tally for a Palace player in the top division since Andrew Johnson twelve years prior. This included a stunning dinked goal against Premier League champions Chelsea and two goals during his return to Anfield, both occurring in April 2017 — undoubtedly one of the most notable months of his career.
However, despite his promising start under Pardew and Sam Allardyce, he struggled for form under Roy Hodgson, whose tactics often saw the wingers cutting inside, resulting in fewer crosses into the box. In the subsequent three seasons, he scored only six league goals, even though his ability to hold up play and presence in the team still provided benefits at times. Additionally, his skills in defending corners proved to be invaluable.
In February 2021, he achieved cult status at Palace with a stoppage-time winner against bitter rivals Brighton — during that match, Palace managed only two touches.
in their adversaries’ box that evening, yet triumphed 2-1 — and a rare surge of goals during the closing stages of that Covid season, which was mostly played without fans, led to a new contract for him. However, as the squad underwent a significant transformation in the summer of 2021, the appeal of a new beginning in MLS became too enticing at the start of the subsequent campaign.
Rediscovering Joy: Christian Benteke’s Journey from Premier League Star to MLS Icon
Christian Benteke has made headlines over his incredible journey in professional football, transitioning from a standout in the Premier League to an influential figure in Major League Soccer (MLS). His story is not just about statistics or accolades; it’s about rediscovering joy in the game he loves.
The Early Days: A Promising Start in Belgium
Born on December 3, 1990, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Christian Benteke moved to Belgium at a young age. His football journey began with local clubs, where his talent quickly shone through. Benteke’s professional debut came with Standard Liège, a club that recognized his potential. Key highlights from his early career include:
- Standard Liège (2009-2010): Making a mark with strong performances.
- Mechelen (2010-2011): Scoring 18 goals in 37 appearances.
- Genk (2011-2012): Winning the Belgian Cup and further enhancing his profile.
Premier League Stardom: Aston Villa and Beyond
Benteke’s move to the Premier League came in 2012 when he signed with Aston Villa. His time in England marked a pivotal chapter in his career, characterized by:
- Incredible Goal-Scoring Record: Benteke scored 49 goals in 101 appearances, showcasing his powerful playing style.
- Memorable Performances: His stunning goals against teams like Liverpool and Manchester City left a lasting impression.
- International Recognition: His performances at Villa Park earned him a regular spot in the Belgian national team.
Challenges and Transitions: From Crystal Palace to Rediscovery
Following his successful stint at Aston Villa, Benteke transferred to Crystal Palace in 2016. However, the move came with its challenges:
- Injury Concerns: Injuries plagued his time at Palace, affecting his form and consistency.
- Struggling for Goals: Despite his talent, he struggled to find the back of the net regularly.
Finding Joy Again
The transition to the MLS in 2021 was a turning point for Benteke. He joined the DC United club, where he began to rediscover his passion for football. Key elements that contributed to his rejuvenation include:
- Less Pressure: The MLS provided a different atmosphere, allowing him to play without the intense scrutiny of the Premier League.
- Supportive Environment: DC United’s coaching staff and teammates provided a nurturing environment that celebrated his skills.
- Freedom to Express: Benteke embraced the freedom to play his game, which reignited his love for football.
Impact in Major League Soccer
Since joining DC United, Benteke has become a key player, proving that he is still a top striker. His contributions on and off the pitch include:
- Leadership: Serving as a veteran presence for younger players.
- Community Engagement: Actively participating in local initiatives to give back to the community.
- Consistent Performances: Scoring goals and providing assists, making him one of the league’s most exciting players.
Statistics Since Joining DC United
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 20 | 6 | 4 |
| 2022 | 30 | 9 | 5 |
| 2023 | 25 | 7 | 3 |
Benefits of Rediscovering Joy in Sports
Christian Benteke’s journey highlights several benefits of rediscovering joy in sports:
- Improved Performance: Athletes who enjoy their game often see better results.
- Mental Health: Playing with joy can enhance mental well-being, reducing anxiety and increasing resilience.
- Longevity in Career: Enjoying the game can lead to a longer and more fulfilling career.
Practical Tips for Athletes to Rediscover Joy
Athletes can implement several strategies to reconnect with their passion for the game:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Return to basics and enjoy the simple aspects of the game.
- Set Personal Goals: Establish individual milestones that provide personal satisfaction.
- Engage with the Community: Participate in local events or coaching to give back and reconnect with the love of the sport.
First-Hand Experience: Testimonials from Teammates
Teammates of Benteke have noted a significant change in his approach to the game since his arrival at DC United:
“Christian brings a positive energy to the locker room, and you can see he’s having fun out there. It’s inspiring!” - Teammate
“His experience and flair remind us all why we love soccer. It’s contagious!” – Teammate
Conclusion: A Journey of Passion and Resilience
Christian Benteke’s remarkable transition from a Premier League star to an MLS icon illustrates the importance of rediscovering joy in sports. His story serves as an inspiration for athletes at all levels, showing that sometimes, embracing change is the key to finding happiness and success in one’s career.
