Karim Benzema Joins Growing List of Football Stars Investing in Dubai Real Estate
French football star Karim Benzema has joined a growing group of international footballers investing in Dubai’s luxury property market, acquiring multiple residences at Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City as well as a luxury residence at Vision Iconic.
Binghatti announced Benzema’s acquisitions during the launch of Vision Iconic at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The event included a signing ceremony between Benzema and Abdullah Binghatti, Head of Sales, in the presence of Binghatti Chairman Muhammad BinGhatti, entrepreneurs, investors and other guests.
Benzema’s purchases add to a series of acquisitions by prominent footballers across Binghatti’s luxury and branded-residence developments.
Neymar, Laporte and Bellarabi Among Footballer Owners
The trend dates back to April 2024, when former Germany international and Bayer Leverkusen player Karim Bellarabi acquired a luxury residence at Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti.
In November 2024, Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. acquired an ultra-luxury Sky Mansion at Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, reportedly valued at Dh200 million.
The residence includes a private car lift providing direct vehicle access to the property, a private swimming pool and panoramic views of Dubai.
Spanish international Aymeric Laporte subsequently joined the development’s owners in February 2025 after acquiring a luxury penthouse at Bugatti Residences.
Benzema has now expanded the list with multiple purchases across Binghatti developments.
Dubai Attracts High-Profile Global Buyers
Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman of Binghatti, said the purchases by international football stars reflect the developer’s ability to attract a global segment of luxury property buyers.
He said the company’s projects combine luxury residences with distinctive design, locations and partnerships with international brands.
BinGhatti also said the growing presence of international footballers among Binghatti’s owners reflects Dubai’s established position as a destination for wealth, investment and luxury real estate.
Mercedes-Benz Branded Residential City Takes Shape
Benzema’s investment comes as Binghatti develops Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City in Meydan.
The development, which the company describes as the world’s first residential city bearing the Mercedes-Benz name, has a reported value of Dh30 billion and spans more than 10 million square feet.
Its master plan includes 12 towers within an integrated residential destination, combining branded residences with a wider range of lifestyle and community facilities.
Binghatti Expands Luxury Property Portfolio
Binghatti said its portfolio currently comprises more than 100 real estate projects with a combined value exceeding Dh100 billion.
The developer has approximately 60 completed developments, with projects spanning multiple segments of Dubai’s property market, including luxury and ultra-luxury residences and branded developments.
The involvement of international football stars adds another high-profile dimension to Dubai’s branded-residence segment, where global brands and luxury developers continue to target international buyers seeking premium properties in the emirate.
