Benzema Asks Mbappe To Show Better For Real Madrid In The Big Party

Karim Benzema believes Kylian Mbappe can be better at Real Madrid (Instagram/@karimbenzema).

Karim Benzema said Kylian Mbappe needed to perform even better for Real Madrid in big matches.

Benzema, who won many trophies over 14 years at Real Madrid before joining Al Ittihad in July 2023 on a free transfer, spoke to Diario AS about his former France team-mate.

"He is much better, scoring goals is nothing new for him. He did it at Paris Saint-Germain. At Real Madrid, he will score even more," said Benzema.

Mbappe scored 43 goals in all competitions and became LaLiga's top scorer in his first season at Los Blancos. He also started the season very well, 18 goals in 16 games.

"He needs to focus more on the moments when Real Madrid needs him because he has everything he needs to do."

"There will be a match where Mbappe will not touch the ball. What we hope from Kylian is that when he gets the chance, he will score a goal. That's how Real Madrid."

"Real Madrid really needs it. There is a game where he has to score, like against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool. They are a defensive team. He has to go forward, take advantage of the situation," Benzema said.

Benzema said he was still in Real Madrid's game and believed there were other areas his team could improve.

"I think Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo, (Jude) Bellingham, they have to communicate. One is there to score goals, the other is to provide assists."

"We will not have Bellingham score a goal because it is Mbappe's job, or to order Mbappe to become the number 10 player because that's Bellingham's role. They have to communicate," he said.

Meanwhile, Benzema said he enjoyed playing in Saudi Arabia and did not rule out continuing at Al Ittihad after his current contract expires in June 2026.

"My contract here is almost over, it's true. I still can't say whether I'm going to stay or leave. It depends on a lot of things."

"I will be 38 years old in December 2025. I saw myself playing football for two more years."

"Physically, I'm fine, I work hard, and I play football. I love football, I enjoy it. We'll see what happens, what the club thinks."

"I like to speak directly and see what they think. The best thing for me is to continue here, but also not to last another year or two."

"I can't do that. I think the level of football in the league is getting better," said the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.