Karim Benzema’s story with Real Madrid rightfully carries on

Back in the 2017-18 season, Karim Benzema wasn’t exactly having the best time at Real Madrid. Many, many fans wanted him out because of his lack of consistent goalscoring, and not many people understood at the time the role he was asked to play. He was the facilitator, the person who’d sacrifice his own good for the good of others. The striker’s value kept on depreciating because of it. He didn’t mind. He knew what was best for the team.

As Karim Benzema signed his contract extension on Friday, the fans rejoiced. They don’t want him to leave now. Hell, they don’t want him to ever leave because of how he has been playing after that 2017-18 season. The Frenchman’s shot volume has increased, his finishing has gotten better, and that has resulted in many goals and a lot of eaten up words.

Karim Benzema’s sacrifice for Real Madrid often goes unnoticed

Benzema knew that he had it in him to score 30 a season three years ago, but he chose what’s best for the team, for the club, which is something he keeps on doing. According to reports, Benzema has taken a 10% pay-cut this season, which will be followed by a 25% pay rise in 2022-23. That sounds about right, that’s how it’s been with his goal-scoring.

Real Madrid’s reliance on Benzema has only increased each passing day. He is not the only one though. There are many players in this Real Madrid that are absolutely crucial, like Thibaut Courtois, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos. But, you know what they say: The thing that matters most at the moment for Real Madrid is the ball hitting the back of the net. And right now, in this squad, Benzema’s the only one who can do just that, week in, week out.

Benzema signed a contract extension with Real Madrid, which was honestly never in doubt. He loves Real Madrid, and Real Madrid loves him back. Florentino Perez wants him to retire at Real Madrid, per source. It’s just yet another testimony to his greatness and his legacy. He’s a player that has gone under the radar many times even though he’s a striker. Many Real Madrid fans are only now realising how important Benzema is, but it’s been the case for a while now.

When Cristiano Ronaldo departed in 2018 and practically no one was signed to replace him, everyone expected the next few years to be tough for a Real Madrid fan. Karim Benzema not only became the source of at least half of what Ronaldo used to provide, but he also helped the team in winning a few trophies, something which seemed a very, very distant dream when Julen Lopetegui was sacked in 2018.

I’ve always wanted to do a quick piece on Benzema, talk about his accolades, his achievements, his back-story, but to be honest, it doesn’t matter that much. What matters is what kind of player he is now, in the sense that he’s a true leader, and he was definitely born to play for Real Madrid. There are no two ways about that part.