At the start of a long season shaped by a World Cup break, Carlo Ancelotti faced a blunt question about adding a backup striker to Real Madrid, with Karim Benzema still central to the plan. Just before the European Super Cup, the debate resurfaced: could the Spanish giants beat Eintracht with Benzema leading the charge? The coach’s response was firm: changes won’t be forced. If the plan stalls, they adapt. It was a clear statement from a manager who knows how to steer through uncertainty.
Yet on Madrid’s soil the mood can sour quickly. With Mariano unavailable and Álvaro Rodríguez still learning his craft, the team leaned heavily on Benzema, who had already shown last season that he is more than a pure striker. He delivered more than 15 goals across competitions and acted as a key creator, underscoring why his presence remains indispensable even as the squad evolves.
The Classic Challenge for Benzema
He returned for the classic fixture after battling wrist problems. He pressed on because Ancelotti trusts the spark he can still provide, even if his fitness isn’t peak. Yet the performance of the 35-year-old forward fell short of expectations. He appeared out of rhythm, rash at times, and struggled to connect with teammates. Real Madrid had lost the league lead at Camp Nou and needed Benzema at his best if the team hoped to defend its status in the Champions League, the competition that defines the club’s season.
The stats tell a story of decline compared with the previous year, not just fatigue from a demanding schedule. His global role with the national team and the lingering tension around selection with Didier Deschamps added to the pressure. Benzema faced questions as to whether he could sustain the magical run that once defined him. One thing is clear: his goals-per-game tally has slipped to roughly half of last season’s output in a similar number of appearances.
From last season’s 36 goals, 19 were unassisted, with six coming from penalties. He produced four assists and 12 months ago logged 19 goals and 10 assists over 29 games, five fewer than the prior campaign when Madrid did not participate in the Club World Cup or the European Super Cup. Alongside seasoned teammates like Modric and Kroos, Benzema’s sustained impact depends on Champions League progress, a stage where Madrid often renews, even as individual awards like the Ballon d’Or linger in the background.
The Alternatives Up Front
When asked about contributing goals alongside assists, Benzema acknowledged the heavy schedule and the need for the squad to share responsibility. The names Ancelotti mentioned as potential partners—Hazard, Asensio, Mariano, Vinicius, and Rodrygo—highlight the depth Madrid still has up front. Even so, Benzema remains Madrid’s top scorer this season, having connected with Vinicius Jr. on several occasions, a partnership that was missed when the Brazilian was absent on the day of the win over Liverpool.
Madrid’s transfer strategy has long centered on Benzema’s leadership, stepping up after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and keeping a balance between resourceful squad players and true competitors. The pursuit of a successor was tempered by market realities, with scenarios involving major targets like Mbappé, Haaland, or Kane shaping the club’s plans and pushing Benzema into a clearer franchise role.
Which striker will Real Madrid sign?
This season’s physical demands have limitations. Ancelotti may guard Benzema’s minutes in the league while preserving him for decisive ties, whether against Chelsea, Bayern, or Manchester City as the season unfolds toward Istanbul. Real Madrid faces a real challenge: find a credible alternative to the irreplaceable number nine, ensuring the team remains formidable even when Benzema isn’t at his peak.
Meanwhile, Madrid’s long-term strategy emphasizes strengthening the midfield for the future. With the arrival of Jude Bellingham, a core of the squad is reshaped. Beyond marquee names like Mbappé or Haaland, other options such as Kane, Richarlison, Vlahović, or Gonçalo Ramos are linked in speculative talks. Should a candidate be chosen, the player would face the demanding task of competing with or eventually replacing a striker who remains deeply embedded in Madrid’s identity.