Karim Benzema has delivered a powerful and insightful message on Kylian Mbappé’s role at Real Madrid, praising the forward’s progress this season while urging him to embrace the responsibility that comes with playing for the Spanish giants. Speaking with the authority of someone who led Madrid’s attack for more than a decade, Benzema said Mbappé is “much better this season,” adding that scoring goals is nothing new for him. “He did it at PSG, and at Real Madrid he’s going to score many more,” he said confidently.
For Benzema, the expectation is clear: when Mbappé gets a chance, he must finish it, because that is the standard at Real Madrid. He highlighted how crucial the Frenchman will be in tight, high-profile matches against teams like Atlético Madrid and Liverpool — sides that sit deep, defend aggressively, and demand brilliance from attacking players. It is in these moments, Benzema stressed, that Mbappé must “step up” and find solutions.
A key part of that responsibility, Benzema believes, is building a strong on-field relationship with Vinícius Júnior. The former Madrid captain emphasised that chemistry between attackers is essential, particularly in games where opponents limit space. “He has to combine with Vini Jr,” he insisted, pointing to the importance of understanding, movement, and communication across the front line.
Still, Benzema was quick to clarify that Mbappé cannot carry the entire burden alone. “Real Madrid is waiting for Mbappé for these moments, to bring home the Champions League. I think he can do it with the other players. He can’t do it alone. He needs Vini Jr, other players… that’s just how it is.”
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He expanded on this by stressing the roles within Madrid’s attacking unit. Players like Rodrygo — even when he doesn’t feature regularly — and Jude Bellingham must also contribute, but each according to their strengths. “One is there to score goals, another to provide assists,” he said. “We’re not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s Mbappé’s job, nor are we going to tell him to be the number 10 because that’s Bellingham’s role. They need to talk.”
Benzema concluded by saying that while Mbappé has improved significantly, he must remain sharply focused in decisive moments, because he possesses everything needed to succeed at Real Madrid — and to lead them toward their biggest ambitions.
