Despite his goal tally looking solid, the French forward still hasn’t reached peak form.
Karim Benzema remains short of his own high standards. If he were any other striker, the season might look good, but for a player of his calibre, the gap between performance and potential is noticeable, and it’s clear he hasn’t hit full capacity just yet.
There’s a long-standing view that Benzema is far more than a pure striker. That belief has often favored him, and it still holds true in many aspects. Now operating moreadvanced than ever, he sometimes feels a step removed from the collective rhythm of Real Madrid. He scores frequently, yet there are spells when his influence on the broader buildup isn’t as pronounced as it could be. Madrid’s attack thrives on the intuition of Vinicius, Valverde, and Rodrygo, but those moments when Benzema’s vision can unlock behind-the-line spaces remain pivotal.
He has eleven goals in thirteen league appearances and 18 goals across 24 matches this season. Those totals are impressive by any standard, especially when viewed through the lens of goal-per-game ratio. Yet they carry a faint note of concern. The team has faced a stretch where 14 losses in 38 matches are recorded, a statistic that feels off when paired with the overall mood and on-field sensations. In the recent Madrid derby with Atlético, there was a recognizable shadow of the player who once terrorized Europe and ultimately claimed the Ballon d’Or crown.
“Today was a challenging match for him. He appeared to lack a touch of mental freshness and moved into the final third with a touch of haste. It bothered him,” explained the manager after the game. He is known for his clarity: it’s not only the numbers that reveal the issue, but the reliability, the freshness, and the connection to the team’s tempo.
Benzema has long looked after himself and has seldom needed extraordinary doses of exertion to excel for Real Madrid. Recent injuries have taken a toll, visibly dampening his physical condition and preventing him from being at 100 percent. A brief rest against Osasuna was framed as a necessary recovery, a decision that, while prudent, felt unusual in its timing and necessity.
Madrid’s season is shaping up as a test of balance. The club faces a congested schedule in La Liga, with a pronounced emphasis on pushing deep in cup competitions and Europe. The squad has proven it can win big games even without Benzema at peak strength, or with him operating at a more restrained level. Yet to deliver their best performance in all fronts, the team would benefit from Benzema rediscovering the form and influence that once defined him—streaks of decisive moments, link-ups that destabilize the opponent’s defense, and the calm assurance in front of goal he is known to provide.
In this moment, the story is less about a decline and more about a necessary recovery—a chance for him to rebuild rhythm, confidence, and the seamless partnership with the teammates who can lift him back to the highest levels of European football. The calendar is long, and Madrid will be watching closely as the season progresses, hoping to see Benzema reclaim the form that has long defined his legacy on the field.
In summary, Benzema’s numbers remain strong, but the underlying dynamics suggest there is more mileage to come from him. When at his best, he functions not only as a scorer but as the brain of the attack, anticipating runs, spacing passes, and guiding the team through moments that demand creativity and poise. That capacity remains a critical asset for Real Madrid as they navigate a demanding campaign, work toward domestic success, and chase continental glory in the weeks ahead.
[Goal]