The Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has worn a white bandage on his right hand for years, a detail many fans notice but few understand. Though his standing as one of the game’s elite forwards is widely acknowledged, that simple wrap has sparked endless speculation about its origin and purpose. This piece explains the most commonly discussed reason and what is known about the bandage today.
Karim Benzema is regarded as one of football’s standout talents in the current era. His continued high-level performances have drawn attention to the right-handed wrap that sometimes covers his palm and fingers. Even as analysts and fans debate the exact cause, the presence of the bandage has become a recognizable part of his image on the field. This overview compiles the accepted explanation and the context behind the question many ask: why does Benzema keep a bandage on his hand?
Recent coverage often links the bandage to a persistent habit rather than a recent incident. For some fans, the wrap is a sign of durability and focus, a practical choice to protect a working hand while he maintains top form. In coverage of Real Madrid and Benzema’s role within the squad, the bandage appears as a small, almost habitual detail in a larger, high-stakes career. The subject has been addressed in multiple outlets, with GOAL among the outlets that have discussed the rationale behind the protection.
WHAT IS THE REASON FOR THE BANDAGE?
There is a commonly cited explanation that Benzema sustained a pinky fracture during a match against Real Betis. The incident is often described as a fracture to the little finger that led to protection being worn on the right hand. Such injuries, even when they heal, can influence how a player grips the ball and handles contact, prompting ongoing protective practices that persist through rehabilitation and recovery.
The narrative around the fracture points to the moment when a Real Madrid defender, Marc Bartra, appeared to collide in a way that left Benzema with lasting tenderness in that area. While the exact medical details are not publicly disclosed, the explanation that a finger injury required ongoing protection has circulated widely among fans and pundits. The idea is that the bandage helps stabilize the hand during matches and training, supporting movement and grip as the player continues to compete at the highest level.
HOW LONG HAS THE BANDAGE BEEN PART OF THE IMAGE?
The timing of the incident is typically traced back to a January game against Real Betis in 2019. Since that period, Benzema has periodically reappeared with the protective wrap. Although he has undergone surgery in the past, the narrative surrounding his recovery suggests that the bandage persisted longer than a typical post-injury phase. In interviews and previews over the years, Benzema has described trying to return to full fitness quickly, occasionally noting that he chose to keep playing rather than undergo another lengthy operation. That choice has kept the bandage as a consistent feature in his kit while he remained a pivotal figure for Real Madrid.
Discussing the broader context, the bandage has become less about a single moment and more about a continuous approach to maintaining peak performance. It is not unusual for players to carry protective equipment as a precaution, and in Benzema’s case, the bandage has become part of the routine routine that supports his longevity in the sport. Observers have noted that his scoring output remained strong during the period in which the wrap was most visible, reinforcing the perception that the protection has not impeded his effectiveness.
In late 2021 and into the 2021-22 Champions League campaign, Benzema spoke about his attempts to return to play after operations, explaining the constraints of time and the decision to continue training with teammates. The overarching message was one of pragmatism: prioritize on-field performance and team duties, even if it means managing lingering discomfort or adopting protective measures. The bandage then stayed, a small, visible symbol of how a top athlete balances risk, recovery, and competition.
As the years have passed, the bandage has remained a notable, if understated, aspect of Benzema’s on-pitch presence. For Real Madrid, the striker’s influence, goal-scoring instincts, and leadership have continued to define the team, with or without a change in protective gear. The wrap is a practical tool that accompanies a career marked by elite achievement and consistent contribution to the club’s ambitions.
In sum, the widely discussed explanation centers on a pinky fracture that occurred during a challenging moment against a Real Betis opponent. Although surgery and rehabilitation have occurred, the protective bandage persists in Benzema’s routine, serving as a safeguard that allows him to maintain his level of play while minimizing the risk of aggravating the injury. The bandage, once a temporary measure, has become a steady companion in a celebrated career.
Note: this account reflects commonly reported details and widely accepted explanations from major sports outlets and match coverage.