Whenever Christian Benteke reflects on his past, he is always thankful for his father’s choice to leave the Congolese military to secure a better future for their family. To fully understand Benteke’s background, it’s important to know that he grew up in a military household led by his father, Jean-Pierre, who had once served under the regime of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and his favourite son, Kongulu Mobutu (one of the twenty-one children). This story explores why Christian Benteke’s father decided to flee the military and how that decision impacted Benteke’s future, ultimately laying the foundation for his football career.
The Life of Christian Benteke: A Father’s Sacrifice and a Son’s Football Success
In summary, this article on Christian Benteke goes beyond his career achievements, offering a complete biography that delves into his life story. It covers his childhood, early years, parents — Marie-Claire Benteke (mother) and Jean-Pierre Benteke (father), family background, siblings, wife, and his Congolese heritage.
This deep dive into the Belgian striker, known as “The Beast,” explores his journey before fame, his personal relationships, family life, and lesser-known off-pitch facts.
While most are familiar with his footballing skills, few have explored Benteke’s full biography, which is both engaging and insightful. Without further delay, let’s begin.
Christian Benteke Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
For Biography starters, he bears the nickname; ‘The Beast’. His full name is Christian Benteke Liolo. Benteke was born on the 3rd day of December 1990 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was born to his mother, Marie-Claire Benteke and father, Jean-Pierre Benteke.
Benteke, like Pablo Sarabia and Frank Kessie, grew up in a military household and environment, with his father, Jean-Pierre, serving as an army officer. However, in 1993, Jean-Pierre made the decision to leave Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. At that time, Zaire was still under the rule of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and his favourite son, Kongulu Mobutu.
Mobutu Sese Seko and his now-late son, Kongulu Mobutu, once ruled Congo with an iron fist.
Because of fears of being killed after deserting the army, Jean-Pierre Benteke fled with his family and established himself in Congo’s former colonial power, Belgium.
Seeking asylum became Jean-Pierre’s only option after dictator Mobutu Sese Seko ordered his arrest. He fled to Liège, Belgium, where he joined his uncle. At the time, young Christian was just three years old.
Let’s move you straight into Benteke’s relationship life. Benteke’s Early Career Story will continue later in this piece.
The Love Life of Christian Benteke:
Christian Benteke never searched for his soul mate. He successfully went to find the missing part of him.
She is in the person of Fortune. Benteke has been dating this lady of enamoured beauty since his teen years.
Christian Benteke was once deeply in love.
More recently, he tied the knot with a long-time partner in a private ceremony. Benteke tagged his wedding as one that involved a ceremony between the ‘beauty and the beast’.
Stating it, Benteke acknowledged in a social media post: “The Beauty and the Beast. Best Day Ever 8-07-17.” Both Christian Benteke and Fortune had a son before tying the knot. His cute son played a key role in his parents’ wedding. Upon looking at the chap, you will notice Benteke’s softer written all over his face.
Personality:
Born under the sign of Sagittarius, Christian Benteke embodies several traits typical of his zodiac.
Strengths: Generous, idealistic, with a great sense of humour.
Weaknesses: Tends to overpromise, can be impatient, and is often blunt or undiplomatic.
Likes: Benteke enjoys freedom, travelling, philosophy, and spending time outdoors.
Dislikes: He isn’t fond of clingy people, feeling restricted, or entertaining far-fetched ideas.
Also, a Daber:
Yes, Jesse Lingard, a former teammate of Marcus Rashford at United, properly brought the ‘dab’ dance craze to the Premier League. He’s definitely not the first footballer to celebrate with a dance move, often kicking things off with a handshake. Christian Benteke, along with his close friend Mamadou Sakho, has already made the handshake and dab a signature celebration.
Christian Benteke Family Life:
His Father’s tough but fair love
Although Jean-Pierre Benteke left the military early, he applied the same discipline he once used with soldiers to raise his three children. Christian Benteke, despite his father’s strictness, values this toughness and even sought his advice during a fallout with Klopp. “My father is a very hard man,” Benteke shared in an interview with The Independent.
“He tells me that the career of a footballer isn’t long, so I must take full advantage of it. My mother is much softer. She speaks with her heart.
My dad tells me the reality. If I am rubbish in a game, he lets me know. He doesn’t mince his words. But he has brought us up well”.
Jean-Pierre Benteke collaborates with his son’s agent, Eris Kismet, helping to handle negotiations with clubs and other parties on behalf of Christian Benteke.
Benteke’s younger brother, Jonathan Benteke Lifeka, also pursued a career in football. Born on April 28, 1995, Jonathan plays as a striker for the Belgian team Zulte Waregem.
He joined Crystal Palace in the 2016/2017 season before moving to Omonia in Cyprus that same season. Benteke also has a sister called Sara.
The Social Media Error:
Benteke was once forced to issue an apology after changing his Twitter bio to claim he had signed for Burnley. This happened when he completed his transfer from Liverpool to Crystal Palace. Next followed was a Twitter blunder, as seen below.
He was bashed by one of his followers, who is a strong critic.
After realising the error, Benteke apologised and pushed blame, as pictured below.
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Christian Benteke Biography – Start to Football:
Little Benteke developed his wonderful football talent on the streets of Liege like several other Belgian stars of his generation, some of whom, like Vincent Kompany, were also born in Congo.
In his own words, Christian Benteke shared, “I started in the street, playing with my friends in the evenings; it was more fun,” he told The Independent. He reminisced about starting out with fellow footballers from Liège, saying, “I played with Axel Witsel, who also grew up in the streets. Kompany, Mousa Dembele, and Kevin Mirallas all began their journeys in the same way.”
Benteke started his youth football for JS Pierreuse and later Standard Liège before moving to Genk. KAA Gent is a top Belgian club that has been behind the rise of notable footballers of African origins – the likes of Paul Onuachu (CF), Manuel Benson, etc.
It was Paul Lambert who gave Benteke his first break in English football with Aston Villa.
However, seeing the club was not going in the right direction, he jumped at the courting of Liverpool. This was followed by a move to Crystal Palace. The rest, as they say, is now history.
Benteke’s Idols:
He named Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as the man he looks up to the most in football. Benteke, much like Calvin Stengs, has a passion for basketball and proudly identifies as a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, largely due to his admiration for superstar LeBron James. He enjoys watching games and following the team, showcasing his enthusiasm for the sport beyond football.
Appreciation:
Thank you for reading the biography facts about Christian Benteke. We are dedicated to delivering accurate and fair information as we share stories about Belgian football. If you’re interested, you might also enjoy the fascinating history of Charles de Ketelaere and Lois Openda. If you notice any inaccuracies in this article, please feel free to leave a comment or reach out to us!
