Jonathan Benteke

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Jonathan Benteke

| fullname = Jonathan Benteke Lifeka

| image =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|4|28|df=y}}

| birth_place = Liège, Belgium

| height = {{convert|1.86|m|abbr=on}}

| currentclub = Shamakhi

| clubnumber =

| position = Forward

| youthyears1 = 2004–2006

| youthclubs1 = JS Pierreuse

| youthyears2 = 2006–2007

| youthclubs2 = Standard Liège

| youthyears3 = 2007–2009

| youthclubs3 = CS Visé

| youthyears4 = 2009–2013

| youthclubs4 = Standard Liège

| years1 = 2013–2014

| clubs1 = CS Visé

| caps1 = 20

| goals1 = 2

| years2 = 2014–2016

| clubs2 = Zulte-Waregem

| caps2 = 25

| goals2 = 2

| years3 = 2016–2017

| clubs3 = Crystal Palace

| caps3 = 1

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2017–2018

| clubs4 = Omonia

| caps4 = 3

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2018–2019

| clubs5 = Oldham Athletic

| caps5 = 10

| goals5 = 1

| years6 = 2019–2020

| clubs6 = Alemannia Aachen

| caps6 = 14

| goals6 = 3

| years7 = 2020–2021

| clubs7 = URSL Visé

| caps7 =

| goals7 =

| years8 = 2021–2022

| clubs8 = Wegberg-Beeck

| caps8 = 28

| goals8 = 7

| years9 = 2022

| clubs9 = Loudoun United

| caps9 = 5

| goals9 = 1

| years10= 2023–2024

| clubs10= UT Pétange

| caps10= 17

| goals10= 6

| years11= 2024–

| clubs11= Shamakhi

| caps11= 0

| goals11= 0

| nationalyears1 =

| nationalteam1 =

| nationalcaps1 =

| nationalgoals1 =

| club-update = 20 July 2024

}}

Jonathan Benteke Lifeka (born 28 April 1995) is a Belgian footballer who plays as a forward for Shamakhi in the Azerbaijan Premier League.{{Soccerway|jonathan-benteke/298313}}

Career

=Early career=

Benteke played youth football for JS Pierreuse before moving to the higher level Standard Liège in 2006 where he stayed for a season before moving to Visé's youth side. In 2009, he moved back to Standard where he played for four seasons in their youth teams without appearing for the first team. On his release from Standard, he rejoined Visé, where he made his professional first team appearance and was at the time playing in the Belgian Second Division.{{cite web|url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2016/october/jonathan-benteke-on-life-at-palace/|title=Jonathan Benteke On Life At Palace|publisher=Crystal Palace F.C.|date=18 October 2016|accessdate=16 August 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816192122/https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2016/october/jonathan-benteke-on-life-at-palace/|archivedate=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title="Broers van" bij de Rode Duivels? Wij gaan nog een stapje verder|url=http://sporza.be/cm/sporza/extra/opvallend/1.2075588|publisher=Sporza|language=Dutch|date=1 September 2014|accessdate=16 August 2017|archive-date=17 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817035302/http://sporza.be/cm/sporza/extra/opvallend/1.2075588|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Football (D2): Visé recrute Jonathan Benteke, le jeune frère de Christian|url=http://www.lameuse.be/734038/article/regions/liege/sports/2013-05-30/football-d2-vise-recrute-jonathan-benteke-le-jeune-frere-de-christian|publisher=La Muese|language=French|date=30 May 2013|accessdate=16 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL: JONATHAN BENTEKE SUR LES TRACES DE SON GRAND FRÈRE|url=http://www.lameuse.be/808688/article/sports/foot-belge/2013-09-11/football-jonathan-benteke-sur-les-traces-de-son-grand-frere|publisher=La Muese|language=French|date=11 September 2013|accessdate=16 August 2017}} While at C.S. Visé, Benteke went on to make eighteen appearances and scoring two times.

=Zulte-Waregem=

On 24 June 2014, it was reported that Benteke was in talks over a move to Zulte-Waregem.{{cite news|title=Kylian Hazard tekent bij Essevee, ook broer Benteke dicht bij contract|url=http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/923/Sport/article/detail/1927331/2014/06/24/Kylian-Hazard-tekent-bij-Essevee-ook-broer-Benteke-dicht-bij-contract.dhtml|publisher=HLN.be|language=Dutch|date=24 June 2014|accessdate=16 August 2017}} The move was confirmed on 28 June 2014, when he signed a three-year contract.{{cite news|title=OFFICIEEL: Zulte Waregem bindt Benteke aan zich|url=http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/124809/OFFICIEEL:_Zulte_Waregem_bindt_Benteke_aan_zich|publisher=Voetbal Nieuws|language=Dutch|date=28 June 2014|accessdate=16 August 2017}}

However, at the start of the season, Benteke suffered a groin injury and did not return to training until September.{{cite news|title=Zulte Waregem moet Naessens drie maanden missen|url=http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/923/Sport/article/detail/2003208/2014/08/21/Zulte-Waregem-moet-Naessens-drie-maanden-missen.dhtml|publisher=HLN.be|language=Dutch|date=21 August 2014|accessdate=16 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=ZULTE WAREGEM. Meer dan ooit opleidingsclub|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20140718_01184556|publisher=Nieuwsblad|language=Dutch|date=18 July 2014|accessdate=16 August 2017}} It was not until 27 September 2014 that Benteke made his Zulte Waregem debut against Anderlecht, replacing Glynor Plet after 70 minutes.{{cite news|title=Suarez loodst Anderlecht over de Gaverbeek|url=http://sporza.be/cm/sporza/matchcenter/mc_voetbal/2.33957/JPL_speeldag_9/1.2101516|publisher=Sporza.be|language=Dutch|date=27 September 2014|accessdate=16 August 2017}} It was not until 21 January 2015 that he scored his first Zulte-Waregem goal, in a 4–2 loss against Anderlecht in the quarter-final of Beker Van Belgie.{{cite news|title=Anderlecht freewheelt naar halve finales tegen experimenteel Essevee (4-2)|url=http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/32291/Beker-van-Belgie/article/detail/2190005/2015/01/21/Anderlecht-freewheelt-naar-halve-finales-tegen-experimenteel-Essevee-4-2.dhtml|publisher=HLN.be|language=Dutch|date=21 January 2015|accessdate=16 August 2017}} Benteke went on to score two goals in the league against Genk{{cite news|title=Herbeleef de leuke pot voetbal tussen Zulte Waregem en Genk|url=http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/923/Sport/article/detail/2314262/2015/05/09/Herbeleef-de-leuke-pot-voetbal-tussen-Zulte-Waregem-en-Genk.dhtml|publisher=HLN.be|language=Dutch|date=9 May 2015|accessdate=16 August 2017}} and Oostende.{{cite news|title=Oostende geeft Zulte Waregem lesje in counteren|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20150315_01580291|publisher=Nieuwsblad|language=Dutch|date=15 May 2015|accessdate=16 August 2017}} At the end of the 2014–15 season, Benteke had made eight appearances, scoring three times in all competitions.

However, the 2015–16 season saw Benteke competing for a first-team role under the management of Francky Dury.{{cite news|title=Jonathan Benteke: 'Eindelijk voel ik mij topfit'|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20150805_01806282|publisher=Nieuwsblad|language=Dutch|date=6 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2017}} As a result, Benteke spent most of the season on the substitutes bench and did not score goals in his seventeen appearances in all competitions that season.{{cite news|title=Anderlecht sluit turbulent seizoen ondanks supportersprotest af op tweede plaats na zege|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20160722_02394539|publisher=Nieuwsblad|language=Dutch|date=22 May 2016|accessdate=16 August 2017}}

=Crystal Palace=

On 1 September 2016, Benteke joined the development squad of Premier League side Crystal Palace, where his brother played.{{cite web|title=Transfer Window Round-Up|url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2016/september/transfer-window-round-up/|website=cpfc.co.uk|date=1 September 2016|accessdate=4 September 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902140311/https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2016/september/transfer-window-round-up/|archivedate=2 September 2016|url-status=live}}

Nine days later he made his debut in a 2–1 win at Middlesbrough, replacing his sibling for the final six minutes; they were the first Belgian brothers to play in England's top flight.{{cite news|last1=Warlow|first1=Robert|title=Benteke brothers make history for Crystal Palace at Middlesbrough|url=http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/benteke-brothers-make-history-for-crystal-palace-at-middlesbrough/story-29707619-detail/story.html|accessdate=1 October 2016|work=Croydon Advertiser|date=12 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816202800/http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/benteke-brothers-make-history-for-crystal-palace-at-middlesbrough/story-29707619-detail/story.html|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=dead}} At the end of the month, he suffered a knee meniscus injury, ruling him out for the next three or four months; his manager Alan Pardew called this "disappointing".{{cite news|title=Jonathan Benteke: Crystal Palace striker out for four months|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37506600|accessdate=1 October 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 September 2016}} Benteke was released by the club at the end of the 2016–17 season.{{cite news|title=Crystal Palace release Fraizer Campbell, Mathieu Flamini and Joe Ledley|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11706/10910054/crystal-palace-release-fraizer-campbell-mathieu-flamini-and-joe-ledley|accessdate=9 June 2017|publisher=Sky Sport|date=9 June 2017}}

=Omonia Nicosia=

In September 2017, Cypriot First Division club Omonia Nicosia signed Benteke on a two-year contract.{{cite web |url=https://www.acomonia.com/news/%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%BF%CF%83%CF%86%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AE%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%B1%CF%83-%CE%BF-jonathan-benteke/ |title=Ποδοσφαιριστής της ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑΣ ο Jonathan Benteke |publisher=AC Omonia Nicosia |accessdate=7 September 2017}}

=Oldham Athletic=

On 6 February 2018, Benteke signed with League One Club Oldham Athletic on a short-term deal until the end of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42961615|title=Jonathan Benteke: Oldham sign Christian Benteke's brother on short-term deal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 February 2018}} On 27 July, Benteke signed a new one-year contract with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44983295|title=Jonathan Benteke: Oldham Athletic re-sign striker on one-year deal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 July 2018}}

After a spell in Germany, Benteke returned in Belgium in August 2020 to join URSL Visé.{{cite web|url=https://basse-meuse.lameuse.be/623270/article/2020-08-18/jonathan-benteke-sengage-pour-une-saison-avec-lursl-vise|title=Jonathan Benteke s'engage pour une saison avec l'URSL Visé!|website=basse-meuse.lameuse.be|date=18 August 2020|accessdate=26 October 2020|language=French}}

= Shamakhi=

On 20 July 2024, Azerbaijan Premier League club Shamakhi announced the signing of Benteke to a one-year contract.{{cite web |title=Xoş gəldin, Conatan Benteke ! |url=https://www.shamakhifc.az/fc-media/news/item/168-xo%C5%9F-g%C9%99ldin,-conatan-benteke |website=shamakhifc.az |publisher=Shamakhi FK |access-date=20 July 2024 |language=Azerbaijani |date=20 July 2024}}

Personal life

Benteke is of Congolese descent and was born in Belgium to Congolese parents, and is the younger brother of Christian Benteke, who plays as a forward for D.C. United and the Belgium national team.{{cite web|url=https://www.acomonia.com/news/%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%BF%CF%83%CF%86%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AE%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%B1%CF%83-%CE%BF-jonathan-benteke/|title=Ποδοσφαιριστής της ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑΣ ο Jonathan Benteke|date=7 September 2017|publisher=}}

Career statistics

{{updated|match played 14 May 2022}}{{cite web|title=J. BENTEKE|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/jonathan-benteke/298313/|website=Soccerway|accessdate=12 September 2016}}

rowspan=2\|Club !rowspan=2\|Season !colspan=3\|League !colspan=2\|FA Cup !colspan=2\|League Cup !colspan=2\|Other !colspan=2\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Visé \|2013–14 \|Belgian Second Division \|20	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	20	2
rowspan=3\|Zulte-Waregem \|2014–15 \|Belgian Pro League \|6	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	8	3
2015–16 \|Belgian Pro League \|15	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	17	0
colspan=2\|Total !21	2	4	1	0	0	0	0	25 !3
Crystal Palace \|2016–17 \|Premier League \|1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Omonia \|2017–18 \|Cypriot First Division \|3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
rowspan="3" \|Oldham Athletic \|2017–18 \|EFL League One \|1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
2018–19 \|EFL League Two \|9	1	0	0	1	0	2{{efn\|name=EFLT\|Appearances in EFL Trophy}}	1	12	2
colspan="2" \|Total !10	1	0	0	1	0	2	1	13	2
Alemannia Aachen \|2019–20 \|Regionalliga \|14	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	14	3
URSL Visé \|2020–21 \|Belgian National Division 1 \|?	?	1	0	?	?	?	?	1	0
Wegberg-Beeck \|2021–22 \|Regionalliga \|28	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	28	7
colspan="3" \|Career total !97	15	5	1	1	0	2	1	103	17