Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has undergone a transformation that has turned him into one of the world’s most formidable strikers.
He has gone from a player who scored only five goals in 32 appearances during the 2017 season to one who has become the second-highest scorer in Real Madrid’s history. His recent form includes two hat-tricks inside a week, the first against Barcelona and the second against Athletic Bilbao. In October 2022, he became the oldest Ballon d’Or winner since Sir Stanley Matthews. The story of Benzema’s reinvention is closely tied to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, which Benzema turned into a catalyst for change.
Benzema and Ronaldo arrived at the Bernabeu in 2009. While Ronaldo was a superstar who attracted huge crowds, Benzema had to compete for a place with Gonzalo Higuain. The two players played together for many years, with Benzema adapting his game to create space for Ronaldo and provide him with assists. He became known as the unselfish striker, a player who was always willing to put the team’s success ahead of his own.
However, when Ronaldo left, Benzema realized it was time to change his game and ambitions. He adapted his game once again, becoming more of a penalty-box presence and developing a lethal finishing ability. He also formed a new partnership with Vinicius Junior, which has proven to be very successful. He is now a clinical finisher, capable of scoring goals from a wide range of positions.
Despite his excellent form, Benzema has not lost his ability to make his teammates better. He continues to create chances for his teammates and is among the top 10 players in Spain for successful through-balls. His self-awareness and ability to adapt his game have made him one of the most complete strikers in football today.
His recent performances have led many to regard him as one of the best players in the world right now, and with his physical condition and quality, he is sure to make a difference in Real Madrid’s upcoming games.
