“Growing up here, becoming a legend. “It is with this text, as well as with the Adidas slogan “Impossible is nothing”, that a huge fresco dedicated to Karim Benzema was unveiled this Friday on the facade of a building in Bron (Rhône). While the captain of Real Madrid will present his Golden Ball to Lyon supporters this Friday evening at half-time at OL-OGC Nice, this work initiated by his sponsor Adidas was symbolically carried out in this town in the metropolis of Lyon, where KB9 grew up.
In addition to Adidas, the city of Bron, Lyon Métropole Habitat and the Lyon artists Art Up, as well as the Peinture A la Main agency contributed to this fresco 35 m high and 12 m wide (406 m2) retracing his career in three performances, from his debut at Bron to his consecration at Real, obviously including his explosion at OL. This creation will have required more than a month of work, before its official presentation this Friday.
Like Zinédine Zidane in Marseille in 1998
A fresco which is reminiscent of that devoted (again by Adidas) to Zinedine Zidane in Marseille in 1998, year of Ballon d’Or and world title for Zizou. “Since my debut in this sport, I have been driven by the desire to show that whatever your background, no goal is inaccessible if you give yourself the means,” said Karim Benzema in a press release. It is with great pride and humility that I return today to where it all began for me. I hope, through this fresco, to be able to inspire the new generation and push them to believe in their dreams. »
Before heading to the World Cup in Qatar with the Blues, the former four-time French champion with OL took a few minutes this Friday to pose near this building located at 26 rue Jean Voillot in Bron. “Through this award, there is a strong message for our young people, specifies Jérémie Bréaud, the mayor of Bron. Talent is not enough, it takes a lot of work, being ready to sacrifice and having the desire to always believe in your dreams. Congratulations to Karim Benzema, the city of Bron is proud of its champions. Just like OL, who will welcome their prodigal son as a rock star this Friday evening.