Benzema’s Record-Breaking Run: A Season Like No Other
Karim Benzema did something few thought possible—he finally surpassed Raúl González to become Real Madrid's all-time top goal scorer. The moment came during the UEFA Super Cup clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on August 10, 2022, pushing his tally to an incredible 324 goals for the club. For Madrid fans raised on legends, that’s a marker of pure class. But there’s way more to Benzema’s recent run than just smashing records.
The 2021-22 season saw him not only scoring but also stepping up as vice-captain after Sergio Ramos left—a move that cranked up expectations. And Benzema didn’t flinch. He hammered in 27 La Liga goals, four of which came as hat-tricks, making defenders sweat nearly every time he stepped onto the pitch. Stretches like his comeback against Valencia at the Mestalla and those ice-cold Champions League nights had Madridistas, and honestly most neutrals, watching in awe.
Numbers alone can’t tell the full story, but just for context, between 2017-18 and 2022-23, Benzema racked up 48 assists in 195 La Liga appearances. He didn’t just finish attacks—he built them from scratch, connecting midfield to the frontline like vintage theatre. Real’s attacking machine was built around his finishing and creativity. Whenever Madrid needed a hero, you could bet on Benzema popping up in the right space at the right time. The big games? He owned them. That presence, both as a scorer and a playmaker, fed right into their dominance both at home and in Europe.
Undeniable Value, But At What Cost?
Benzema’s leadership helped secure a fourth La Liga title under Carlo Ancelotti and another Champions League win. To many, that’s proof he’s the glue holding this squad together. But there’s a flip side—the more Real Madrid leaned on Benzema, the more their attack seemed to revolve around him. Fans and pundits alike started asking: is this a team or a one-man show up front?
The warning signs aren’t just about goals or assists—it’s about what happens if Benzema gets injured or runs into a cold spell. Madrid’s next-best options suddenly look short on ideas, and defenders know if you stop Karim, you take a lot of the sting out of the attack. The concern isn’t just hypothetical; in games where Benzema was less involved, the team’s creativity sometimes hit a wall.
If you dig into the numbers, you’ll see he was absolutely indispensable. But the same stats show Real’s share of goals coming from Benzema shot up year after year. While that’s a testament to his brilliance, it also exposes a tactical gamble—putting so many eggs in one basket.
Now, with the Spanish giants looking to the future, the big question stays on everyone’s mind: Who steps up when Benzema isn’t leading the line? His record run is locked into club history, but for Madrid to keep winning, they might need to spread the load a little wider next time out.
