Karim Benzema has called on Kylian Mbappé to elevate his performance during crucial matches for Real Madrid. The former Madrid striker, who joined Al Ittihad in July 2023 after a successful 14-year tenure at the club, emphasized that Mbappé possesses the talent needed to shine in high-stakes situations.
In a statement to the media, Benzema remarked, “He’s much better; scoring goals isn’t new to him. He did it at Paris Saint-Germain, and at Real Madrid he’s going to score many more.” Mbappé, now 26, had an impressive debut season in LaLiga, netting a remarkable 43 goals across all competitions and securing the title of top scorer.
This season, Mbappé has continued his strong performance, with 18 goals in just 16 games. Benzema stressed the importance of stepping up in pivotal moments, saying, “He needs to focus more on these moments when Real Madrid needs him because he has everything needed to do it.” He pointed out that in matches against teams like Atlético Madrid and Liverpool, where defenses are more compact, Mbappé must find ways to make decisive contributions.
The former French international noted that while there may be matches where Mbappé sees limited touches, it is crucial for him to capitalize on the opportunities that do arise. “What we expect from Kylian is that when he gets the chance, he’ll put it away. That’s how Real Madrid is. Real Madrid needs him a lot, and there are games where he has to score,” Benzema explained.
Benzema also addressed the need for better communication among Madrid’s attacking players, including Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. “I think Vinícius, Mbappé, Bellingham… they have to communicate,” he stated. “One is there to score goals, another to provide assists. We’re not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s Mbappé’s job, nor tell him to be the number 10 because that’s Bellingham’s role. They have to communicate.”
As for Benzema, he is enjoying his time in Saudi Arabia and remains open to extending his contract with Al Ittihad, which is set to expire in June 2026. “My contract here is nearing its end, that’s true,” he acknowledged. “I still can’t say whether I’ll stay or leave; it depends on many things. I’ll be 38 in December. I see myself playing football for another two years. Physically, I’m fine, I work hard, and I’m playing football. I love football, I enjoy it.”
Benzema emphasized the importance of having discussions with the club about his future, stating, “The best thing for me is to continue here, but also not just stay for the sake of staying for another year or two. I can’t do that.” He also recognized the increasing quality of football in the Saudi league, noting, “I think the level of football in the league is getting better and better.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mbappé to see if he can deliver the performances that Benzema believes he is capable of, particularly in critical matches that could define Real Madrid’s ambitions.
