Rihanna’s Relationship With Karim Benzema Confirmed Despite Chris Brown Dating Rumors

Rihanna and Chris Brown may have been at the center of dating rumors after Rihanna was caught dancing along to Brown’s performance at the 2015 BET Awards. However, sources close to Rihanna reveal that the songstress is still heating things up with rumored boyfriend Karim Benzema.

Rihanna first ignited dating rumors with the Real Madrid soccer star in early June after they were spotted hitting up several NYC clubs together. However, sources are now confirming that Rihanna and Benzema are in fact a couple and are reportedly “going strong.”

A source close to Rihanna confirmed the news to E! Online, telling the site that Rihanna and Bezema are having a great time together but are taking things slow. The insider adds that Rihanna appreciates how considerate Benzema is of her hectic schedule, noting that the 27-year-old soccer player gives Rihanna the space that she needs.

The sources also explains that Rihanna and Karim share a mutual appreciation for their respective professions, adding that Rihanna is a huge soccer fan and appreciates that Karim is a hard worker. The source also explains that Rihanna keeps in close contact with her new beau through texts and phone calls.

In addition, Rihanna’s source explains that the duo have managed to keep out of the public eye as of late. The couple were most recently spotted partying at a West Hollywood nightclub on June 20, where Rihanna reportedly had an awkward run-in with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.

The source concludes that while Rihanna is smitten with her new beau, her friends are also big fans of Rihanna and Benzema as a couple.

While Rihanna and Karim have yet to personally confirm the dating news, the duo has been photographed on several dinner dates in L.A. since June.

The news comes on the heels of reports that suggest Rihanna and Chris Brown were attempting to reignite their romance.

Rihanna made headlines in June after she was caught on camera bopping her head to the music of Brown’s performance of “Post To Be” with Omarion. The playful gesture between Rihanna and Brown sparked romance rumors, with sources alleging that the duo are back on speaking terms.

The most recent rumors surrounding Rihanna and Brown suggested that Rih offered up some home owners’ advice to Brown while he was shopping for his San Fernando Valley bachelor pad, Urban Islandz reports.

Sources close to Rihanna and her former beau allege that Brown has even invited Rihanna to his new home, further fueling dating rumors between the exes.

“RiRi and Chris are good friends and that is what good friends do they give each other good advice…She always gives him great advice so it wasn’t surprising when she gave him a few advice based off her own experience buying properties. He has already invited her to come over and check out his new home but she hasn’t accepted his invite at least not yet.”

What do you think of Rihanna and Karim Benzema as a couple? Is there still a chance for Rih and Breezy?

[Image Credit: Getty Images / Jason Merritt / Dean Mouhtaropoulos]