ABOUT CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
Christian Benteke (born December 3, 1990) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a striker for D.C. United in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Belgium national team. Over more than a decade at the highest level of football, Benteke has established himself as one of the most recognizable forwards of his generation, known for his strength, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing.
Early Life
Born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Benteke moved to Belgium at a young age with his family. He began his football journey in Belgium’s youth academies, quickly drawing attention for his power, skill, and natural goal-scoring instincts.
club career
Belgian Pro League
​Benteke began his professional career in Belgium with Genk, making his senior debut as a teenager before also playing for Standard Liège. His early goal-scoring form earned him a move to the English Premier League.
English Premier League
In 2012, he signed for Aston Villa, where he became one of the league’s most dangerous strikers, scoring 42 goals in three seasons. A move to Liverpool followed in 2015, where he competed in both domestic and European competitions. In 2016, Benteke joined Crystal Palace, spending six seasons as a key figure in their attack and scoring a number of memorable goals.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
In August 2022, Benteke moved to D.C. United, becoming one of the club’s marquee players and a headline name in MLS. Since arriving in Washington, he has led the line with his trademark aerial strength, hold-up play, and finishing, while bringing invaluable international experience to the squad. His leadership on and off the pitch has made him a central figure in the team’s rebuild, and he continues to be relied upon as the focal point of the attack.
iNTERNATIONaL CAREER
Benteke has represented Belgium at every level from U17 to the senior team. He made his senior debut in 2010 and has since earned over 50 caps, scoring in crucial qualifiers and international friendlies. He was selected for major tournaments including the UEFA European Championship playing alongside Belgium’s “Golden Generation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Christian Benteke?
Christian Benteke Liolo (born 3 Dec 1990, Kinshasa) is a Belgian professional striker. He currently plays for D.C. United in MLS.
What position and how tall is he?
He’s a centre-forward, about 1.90 m tall.
​
Did he win the MLS Golden Boot?
Yes. Benteke won the 2024 MLS Golden Boot (23 league goals).
What are some career highlights before MLS?
Aston Villa (2012–15), Liverpool (2015–16), Crystal Palace (2016–22). He became Palace’s record signing in 2016 and later moved to D.C. United in 2022.
​
What’s a notable record he holds (or held) for Belgium?
He scored the fastest goal in a World Cup qualifier: 8.1 seconds vs. Gibraltar on Oct 10, 2016. A quicker 6-second friendly goal was scored by Austria’s Baumgartner in 2024, but Benteke’s remains the WC-qualifying mark.
What shirt number does he wear at D.C. United?
He wears number 20 for D.C. United.
​
Is he a Designated Player in MLS?
Yes — he joined D.C. United in Aug 2022 as a Designated Player.
Was he an MLS All-Star?
Yes — he was selected for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game (and has been described as a two-time All-Star).
What languages does he speak?
He grew up in multilingual Belgium and discussed improving his English early in his career; he’s frequently interviewed in English and French.
Does he do any charity work?
Yes — for example, he donated PPE to Crystal Palace’s Palace for Life Foundation during COVID-19.
What are his youth clubs?
JS Pierreuse → Standard Liège → Genk in the academy years.
What is known about Christian Benteke’s personal life today?
Christian Benteke focuses on his football career and family life and is not currently married.