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    Cristian Benavente

    Cristian Benavente

    Peru flagPeru
    Celebrity

    professional footballer

    Also known as: El Chaval

    Birthday

    May 19, 1994

    Birth Sign

    Taurus

    Birthplace

    Alcalá de Henares, Spain

    Age

    32 years old

    Height

    5 ft 7.5 in (173 cm)

    About

    Cristian Benavente Bristol is a Peruvian professional footballer, widely recognized for his dynamic role as an attacking midfielder. He currently plays for Sporting Cristal, a prominent club in Peru's top division, where he consistently demonstrates his technical skill, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities. Though born in Spain, Benavente proudly represents Peru on the international stage, bringing a unique blend of European footballing discipline and South American flair to his game. His presence on the pitch is often characterized by clever dribbling and incisive passes, making him a compelling player to watch. Fans and pundits alike value his experience gained from various European leagues, which he now applies effectively in Peruvian football. He remains an active and influential figure for his team, contributing significantly to their competitive efforts in the league and maintaining a strong connection with the sport's community in Peru.

    Early Life & Background

    Cristian Benavente's footballing journey began in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, where he was born on May 19, 1994. His parents, both Peruvian, ensured a strong connection to his South American heritage, even as he grew up immersed in the vibrant Spanish football scene. From a young age, Benavente displayed a natural aptitude for the sport, leading him to join the renowned youth system of Real Madrid in 2002. This was a pivotal moment, as he spent over a decade within one of the world's most prestigious football academies, progressing through its various age groups. He absorbed the technical and tactical lessons, playing alongside many promising talents and establishing a deep understanding of the game.

    His dedication through the youth ranks culminated in his senior debut in 2013 with Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team. This marked a significant milestone, as he began playing competitive senior football in Spain's Segunda División B. During his tenure with Castilla, Benavente consistently demonstrated his creative flair and technical precision as an attacking midfielder. He appeared in 60 matches for the reserve side, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists across multiple seasons, gaining valuable experience against seasoned professionals. These years were fundamental in shaping his professional approach and preparing him for the demands of top-tier football, ultimately leading to his departure from Real Madrid in 2015 to pursue new opportunities and challenges in his burgeoning career.

    Career Growth

    Leaving Real Madrid Castilla in 2015, Cristian Benavente made a notable move to England, signing a two-year deal with Milton Keynes Dons (MK Dons). This marked his first venture into English football, where he aimed to make an impact in the Championship. However, his time there was brief; he was released from his contract on January 5, 2016, less than six months after joining, having made only a handful of appearances. Following this, Benavente quickly transitioned to Belgian football, joining Charleroi, a move that proved to be a significant turning point in his career. At Charleroi, he found consistent playing time and flourished, becoming a key attacking player. Over three seasons, he scored 19 goals in 80 appearances, establishing himself as a prolific presence in the Belgian First Division A.

    His impressive form in Belgium led to a transfer to Egyptian club Pyramids FC in January 2019. This marked a new chapter in a different continent, though he only stayed for a short period before moving back to Europe. In August 2019, Benavente joined French Ligue 1 side FC Nantes, further adding to his experience in top European leagues. After his spell with Nantes, he continued to move between European clubs, featuring for Royal Antwerp in Belgium and later for Portuguese club CD Feirense. In 2023, Benavente made a significant return to South American football, signing with Sporting Cristal in Peru's top division. This move brought his international experience back to his home country's league, where he continues to be an influential attacking force. He has also regularly represented the Peru national team, earning caps and contributing to various international campaigns, including his recall to the squad for friendlies against Croatia and Iceland in March 2018.

    Career Timeline

    2002Joined Real Madrid's youth system.
    2013Made senior debut for Real Madrid Castilla.
    2015Signed a two-year deal with Milton Keynes Dons (MK Dons).
    2016Released from MK Dons contract and joined Charleroi in Belgium.
    2018Recalled to Peru's national squad for friendlies against Croatia and Iceland.
    2019Signed for Pyramids FC in Egypt.
    2019Joined FC Nantes in France.
    2020Moved to Royal Antwerp (on loan from Pyramids FC).
    2021Joined CD Feirense in Portugal.
    2023Returned to Peru to join Sporting Cristal.

    Public Image & Style

    Cristian Benavente projects the image of a dedicated and technically gifted professional footballer. His public persona emphasizes his commitment to the sport and his pride in representing Peru on the international stage. Fans perceive him as a skillful attacking midfielder capable of moments of brilliance, often highlighted by his clever dribbling and ability to dictate play. On social media platforms like Instagram and X, he shares glimpses of his training routines, match preparations, and occasional personal moments, giving followers an insight into the life of a professional athlete. His posts often reflect a humble yet determined attitude, resonating with supporters who admire his journey from Real Madrid's youth system to playing for his national team and various European clubs. He maintains a direct and approachable online presence, engaging with his fan base through updates on his career milestones and club activities.

    Fame & Fandom

    Cristian Benavente's global visibility, while not among the most prominent athletes, is sustained by his professional career in multiple leagues and his role on the Peruvian national team. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated his profile, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, whether the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This means that, at present, he is not ranked among the most famous individuals worldwide or within a specific category, reflecting a level of recognition that is notable within football circles but not reaching the upper echelons of global fame. His fanbase, while supportive, has no formally documented name in iFANN data, and there is no evidence of organized fan campaigns or a distinct community identity that has been officially recognized.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Cristian Benavente is known for his versatility on the field, being naturally both-footed, which allows him to be effective on either side of the pitch or centrally. During his time at Real Madrid's youth academy, he was often referred to by teammates as "El Chaval" (The Kid). He is an avid user of social media, frequently sharing insights into his training and personal life with his followers. Despite growing up in Spain, Benavente maintains a strong connection to his Peruvian roots, often speaking about his pride in representing the national team. No legendary stories or iconic moments have been documented in public sources; his career has been marked by steady professionalism rather than viral incidents.

    Family & Personal Life

    Cristian Benavente was born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, to Peruvian parents. This bicultural background has shaped his identity, connecting him deeply to both Spanish upbringing and Peruvian heritage. While specific details about his parents' professions are not widely publicized, their influence instilled in him a strong sense of national pride that later saw him choose to represent Peru internationally. He has publicly shared that his family's support has been a constant throughout his career, providing a foundation as he moved between various clubs and countries. Beyond his immediate family, Benavente largely keeps his personal home life private, focusing his public persona on his professional football career.

    Notable Connections

    Cristian Benavente is associated with several football clubs across different leagues, including his formative years at Real Madrid Castilla and impactful spells with Charleroi in Belgium. He has also played for Milton Keynes Dons, Pyramids FC, FC Nantes, Royal Antwerp, and CD Feirense. Currently, he is a key player for Sporting Cristal in Peru. On the international stage, he is closely linked with the Peru national team, representing his country in various matches and campaigns.

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Unknown

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $3 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    iFANN currently estimates Cristian Benavente's net worth at $3 Million. This financial standing is primarily built upon a professional football career that has spanned more than a decade, involving contracts with several clubs across different European leagues and a return to South American football. Throughout his career, Benavente has earned salaries from his time at Real Madrid Castilla, his brief stint with Milton Keynes Dons, and notably during his productive spell with Charleroi in Belgium, where he was a key attacking player. Subsequent moves to Pyramids FC in Egypt, FC Nantes in France, Royal Antwerp in Belgium, and CD Feirense in Portugal, along with his current contract with Sporting Cristal in Peru, have all contributed to his accumulated earnings. Professional footballer salaries, while varying greatly, typically include base pay, performance bonuses, and other contractual incentives, which have compounded over his continuous playing career. In addition to his club salaries, Benavente's income streams likely include various endorsement deals, personal appearances, and commercial partnerships. Athletes of his profile often attract brands interested in leveraging their public image and fan base. His active presence on social media platforms, such as Instagram, also opens opportunities for sponsored content and collaborations, further diversifying his revenue. These combined sources of income, managed over a sustained period of professional play, contribute to his estimated net worth. As he continues his career with Sporting Cristal, his ongoing salary and potential future endorsements will continue to influence his financial trajectory.

    Awards & Accolades

    No awards registered yet. View awards page

    Known For

    Charleroi

    2016 · Attacking Midfielder

    Peru National Team

    2013 · Attacking Midfielder

    Sporting Cristal

    2023 · Attacking Midfielder

    Keywords

    Peruvian footballerattacking midfielderSporting CristalReal Madrid youthCharleroiPeru national team

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    professional footballer
    Born
    May 19, 1994
    Birthplace
    Alcalá de Henares, Spain
    Gender
    Male
    Birth Sign
    Taurus
    Nationality
    Peruvian

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Cristian Benavente Bristol
    Height
    5 ft 7.5 in (173 cm)
    Children
    Education

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How old is Cristian Benavente?
    Cristian Benavente was born on May 19, 1994, which makes him 32 years old as of 2026. He began his football journey at a young age, joining Real Madrid's youth system when he was just eight years old.
    Where is Cristian Benavente from?
    Cristian Benavente was born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. However, his parents are both Peruvian, and he proudly represents Peru on the international football stage, holding Peruvian nationality.
    What position does Cristian Benavente play?
    Cristian Benavente primarily plays as an attacking midfielder. He is known for his technical skills, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his team from central or wide positions on the field.
    What is Cristian Benavente's net worth in 2026?
    As of 2026, Cristian Benavente's net worth is estimated to be approximately $3 Million. His wealth comes from his professional football contracts with various clubs and potential endorsement deals throughout his career.
    Which clubs has Cristian Benavente played for?
    Benavente has played for several clubs including Real Madrid Castilla, Milton Keynes Dons, Charleroi, Pyramids FC, FC Nantes, Royal Antwerp, CD Feirense, and currently Sporting Cristal. He has had a diverse career across multiple leagues.

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