Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has called on Kylian Mbappe to take greater responsibility in decisive matches for the Spanish giants.
In an interview with Diario AS, Benzema said Mbappe’s goalscoring record speaks for itself but stressed that Real expect impact in high-pressure situations. Mbappe, 26, scored 43 goals in his first season with the club and has opened the current campaign with 18 goals in 16 appearances.
“He’s always been a player who scores goals,” Benzema said. “But the important thing at Madrid is to step up when the team needs him. There will be games where he barely touches the ball. When a chance comes, he has to finish it.”
Benzema cited fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool as examples of matches where opponents defend deep, requiring the France national team captain to be decisive with limited opportunities.
The former club captain also said Real Madrid’s attack – comprising Mbappe, Vinícius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham – still needs better coordination. He emphasized the importance of role clarity, noting that Mbappe’s primary responsibility is scoring, while Bellingham’s is to operate as the team’s playmaker.
Benzema added that the squad lacks a clear leader following the club’s generational transition. While praising manager Xabi Alonso’s early work, he said the team is still searching for a central figure to guide a largely young group.
Now at Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Benzema said he continues to follow Madrid closely. He confirmed he is happy in the Saudi Pro League but has not decided whether he will extend his stay beyond his current contract, which expires in 2026. The 37-year-old said he feels capable of playing for two more years but wants clarity from the club before making a decision.
