UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Getting to know Bayern's Medhi Benatia

French rap, Al Pacino and dressing room banter. FC Bayern München defender Medhi Benatia revealed all when taking questions from @ChampionsLeague fans.

Medhi Benatia live from Munich
Medhi Benatia live from Munich ©FC Bayern München

French rap, Al Pacino and dressing-room banter with David Alaba. FC Bayern München centre-back Medhi Benatia revealed all when he answered questions from @ChampionsLeague Twitter fans in #AskBenatia.

Toughest striker you've played against?

Medhi Benatia: Zlatan Ibrahimović. He is the complete player who has caused me lots of trouble. He's a great player who can create problems for any team.

Benatia: Certainly. We have to improve and believe in what we're doing. The entire team are focused on achieving our objectives.

Which defender did you grow up admiring?

©Getty Images

Benatia: Paolo Maldini. He was a phenomenal player. He started when he was 17 and played at the top level for his entire career. A real champion. 

Favourite film/movie star?

Benatia: Film? IT. Movie star? Robert De Niro and Al Pacino!

Your career highlight?

Benatia: I've had several good moments, so it's difficult to pick one. Perhaps when I signed my first professional contract or when I signed for Roma. It was a massive step forward in my career. Then there's my first goal for Bayern.

Funniest moment at Bayern?

Benatia: Every day with Rafinha, [Franck] Ribéry and Alaba. We have fun in the dressing room and it's a great atmosphere.

What music do you like?

Benatia: There's not one particular song, but I like French rap. I listen to it before every game!

What's it like working with Josep Guardiola?

 Benatia: Fascinating. Every day you learn something new. Many believe there is nothing more a Bayern player can learn but it's not the case with a coach like him. It's a great pleasure.

Who's the best player in the world?

Benatia: As Morocco captain, I voted for [Manuel] Neuer [in the FIFA Ballon d'Or]. He's a team player, humble and works very hard. He deserved to win but it's not easy for goalkeepers. Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi were also worthy winners.

Best mate at Bayern?

 Benatia: They're all nice people at Bayern. I talk a lot with Ribéry in French and our sons are at the same school.

What do you do in your spare time?

Benatia: I'm mostly at home – it's cold! I don't walk as often as I did in Rome. I prefer to watch a film at home with my family. I play football with my son and train him so he can be better than his father! My daughter is learning to write and it's a pleasure spending time with them.