Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has offered valuable advice to fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé about how to harmonize his game with teammates Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. In an interview with Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Benzema drew from his own experience playing alongside superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to provide a roadmap for Mbappé's integration into Madrid's star-studded attack.
Benzema, who spent 14 seasons at Real Madrid and became the club's second all-time leading scorer, highlighted that Mbappé's primary duty is to score goals. 'He’s much better, scoring goals is not new for him. He’s going to score goals, many more,' Benzema said. 'There’ll be matches where Mbappé won’t even touch the ball. What we expect from Kylian is that when he gets one chance, he puts it away. That’s how Real Madrid is.' This advice mirrors the role Benzema himself adopted after Ronaldo's departure, when he became the focal point of the attack while still facilitating others.
The 37-year-old striker, now playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, pointed to difficult outings against Atlético Madrid and Liverpool as examples of games where Mbappé struggled to influence play. 'He has to combine with Vinícius. Real Madrid counts on Mbappé for these moments, to bring the Champions League. I think he can do it with the other players. He can’t do it alone,' Benzema stated, underlining the need for synergy between the French superstar and the Brazilian winger.
Benzema also clarified the distinct roles within Madrid's attack. 'One is there to score goals, another to provide assists; we’re not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s what Mbappé is there for, nor tell Mbappé to be the number 10 because that’s Bellingham’s role,' he explained. This echoes the tactical discipline that defined his own partnership with Ronaldo and Bale, where each player understood his responsibilities despite overlapping talents.
Mbappé's Form and Madrid's Tactical Evolution
Mbappé has been in scintillating form this season, posting 18 goals and 2 assists in 16 games across all competitions. That goal output has made him Madrid's most prolific player, while Vinícius Júnior has contributed nine goal contributions and Jude Bellingham four. Coach Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer of 2025, has been tweaking his tactical setup to maximize the talents of his three stars. Despite some early-season inconsistencies, Madrid sit top of La Liga and are well positioned for a deep Champions League run.
Benzema's advice comes at a crucial juncture. The team has sometimes looked unbalanced, with Bellingham dropping deep to orchestrate play and Vinícius cutting inside from the left, creating congestion in central areas. Alonso has urged Mbappé to drift wide at times, but the Frenchman's natural instinct to operate centrally has occasionally clashed with Vinícius' preferred zones. Benzema, who spent years adapting to Ronaldo's movements, knows that chemistry takes time. 'I think they can do it with the other players. He can’t do it alone,' he reiterated, emphasizing collective responsibility.
Benzema's Legacy and Possible Return
Benzema's own career at Real Madrid is nothing short of legendary. He scored 354 goals for the club, won four Champions League titles, and claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2022 after a remarkable season. His ability to reinvent himself from a supporting striker to the main man after Ronaldo's exit in 2018 demonstrated his intelligence and selflessness. Now 37, Benzema is in the final year of his contract with Al Ittihad, which expires in June 2026. Despite his age, he has no plans to retire soon and has openly flirted with a return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
When asked about the possibility of donning the white jersey again, Benzema was enigmatic but encouraging. 'If Florentino is still there, it could happen, it could. I talk to him, and it could be. I’m a Madridista. I feel it inside. Madrid is still my city — I feel Madridista and Madrileño. We’ll see what happens. If he’s there…' This statement has fueled speculation that president Florentino Pérez might bring Benzema back as a veteran presence, especially with the current attack still needing a pure number nine. The return of a club icon could also provide mentorship to Mbappé and help him navigate the pressures of being Madrid's star.
Historical Comparisons and Team Dynamics
Benzema's advice draws from his own experiences in the famed 'BBC' trio alongside Ronaldo and Bale. That unit, while not particularly close off the pitch, developed an almost telepathic understanding during matches. Benzema often sacrificed his own scoring opportunities to create space for Ronaldo, while Bale used his speed to stretch defenses. The Frenchman's willingness to adapt made him the perfect foil for two megastars, and he sees parallels in the current setup. 'We’re not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s what Mbappé is there for,' he said, referencing the English midfielder's natural inclination to arrive late in the box.
Indeed, Bellingham has been used in a more advanced midfield role this season, often playing behind Mbappé and Vinícius in a 4-3-3 formation. His contributions — four goals and assists combined — are modest by his own standards, but he remains a key part of the build-up play. Vinícius, meanwhile, has thrived on the left, using his dribbling to create chances. Benzema's call for Mbappé to 'combine' with Vinícius suggests that the two must find a way to link up without stepping on each other's toes. The pair have shown flashes of brilliance this season, notably in Madrid's 4-1 thrashing of Barcelona, where they exchanged passes leading to two goals.
Rodrygo, the fourth member of the attacking quartet, has sometimes felt marginalized, but his versatility allows Alonso to rotate without sacrificing quality. Benzema's emphasis on role definition is a reminder that superstars must accept their designated functions for the team to succeed. 'There’ll be matches where Mbappé won’t even touch the ball,' he warned, preparing the Frenchman for games where Madrid might be dominated but still need a ruthless finisher.
Looking Ahead
As Real Madrid continue their campaign under Xabi Alonso, the lessons from Benzema's era remain relevant. The team's depth and quality are undeniable, but blending egos and styles requires time and guidance. Benzema's words carry weight because he lived through similar dynamics and emerged as a leader and a Ballon d'Or winner. His willingness to share his wisdom, even from afar, underscores his enduring love for the club. Whether he returns or not, his influence on the current squad could prove invaluable as Madrid pursue yet another Champions League title.
Source: MSN News