Welcome to the first installment of our My Game In My Words 2024 series, where we delve into the personal stories and experiences of soccer players around the world. Today, we focus on Christian Benteke, who made waves when he joined D.C. United in Major League Soccer back in 2022.
After just 15 minutes on the pitch in his debut game for D.C. United, Benteke faced the American media. Questions were raised about his decision to leave the English Premier League behind and embark on a new journey in the United States. Instead of giving the usual scripted responses praising the league’s growth, Benteke revealed a deeper motivation for his move.
Benteke expressed that he came to D.C. United in pursuit of happiness, pushing aside the struggles the club faced in recent years. Despite D.C. United’s lackluster performance in the playoffs, Benteke emerged as one of MLS’ top attacking players. Currently leading the Golden Boot race, he showcased his dominance in the air, even preferring to score with his head over his feet.
Benteke’s path to success was not a smooth one. Born in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, he honed his skills playing pickup games on the streets of Liege. His journey through Belgian and English soccer was filled with challenges, but his impressive statistics in the Premier League speak for themselves.
Now, as Benteke reflects on his career, signing a contract extension with D.C. United, he embodies a sense of contentment. Watching highlights from his past, he acknowledges that his move to MLS was about rediscovering the joy of playing the game he loves.
“In MLS, I wake up every day feeling grateful. Every practice, every game, I feel like I’m living my dream,” Benteke reflects with a smile.
From his humble beginnings playing streetball in Belgium to his partnership with Kevin De Bruyne at Genk, Benteke’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion for the game. This is Christian Benteke’s game in his own words.
