 He was known for his prowess in the ranks of the Olympique Lyon's junior amateur team, playing in the CFA 2 that he captained.In April 2006, Olympique Lyonnais' president Jean-Michel Aulas announced that Benhamida would sign a one-year professional contract with the club alongside fellow young hope and France U-18 international Grégory Bettiol.Both helped their team win the second division Amateur Championship to get promoted in the CFA.