Madrid’s Harmony Dilemma: Benzema Highlights a Cracking Real Madrid Crisis
12 December 2025
Madrid’s harmony crisis explained
Karim Benzema, now plying his trade with Al-Ittihad, contends that Real Madrid’s main problem is a lack of cohesion within the attack, even with a constellation of world-class talent.
In a lengthy interview with L’Equipe, he asserts that the disconnect among players such as Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo makes the team less lethal in attack and adds to the coach’s burden.
The former Madrid star emphasizes that every player wants to lead, but without clear roles on the pitch and without a veteran figure to steer the youngsters, achieving the necessary harmony becomes much harder.
"What the team needs is the harmony between Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, and Rodrygo. Each must know his role; Bellingham is a playmaker, Mbappe the scorer, Vinicius a winger. All are among the world’s top ten, but they still must figure out what to do together," Benzema said.
Alonso and the veteran question
He added that the coach, Xabi Alonso, cannot do miracles alone; on the pitch, players shoulder the responsibility. If a teammate is better, you have to accept it. Having five or six senior players can create friction, because the scorer tends to attract more attention, yet still needs teammates.
"There is no longer that guiding veteran who can direct Mbappe, Vinicius, or Rodrygo. Players no longer talk to one another, and it’s now simply: I did my job and scored. That’s today’s football," he noted.
The interview also features a closer look at leadership dynamics, with Benzema reflecting on how the presence of senior figures can influence the mood and performance of the squad.
Mbappe under pressure and the importance of cohesion
He contends that Mbappe will keep scoring, but the real test is whether he can spearhead the attack in tandem with his teammates. The emphasis is on leadership, chemistry, and a collective approach to the attacking phase, especially amid Madrid’s crowded senior roster.
Regarding difficult rivals, Benzema stresses that no opponent should be underestimated; even a hat-trick against a mid-table side is hard-earned, and the same standard should apply in every league match.
World Cup ambitions and Zidane’s influence
On his World Cup wishes, Benzema says, “Who wouldn’t want to play in a World Cup? If I’m told I’ll participate and I say yes, I’m not lying.” He ends with high praise for Zinedine Zidane, asserting that wherever Zidane goes, success follows and that their relationship remains exceptional; if Zidane were France’s coach, he is confident success would follow.
In short, Benzema’s message is blunt: Madrid’s chemistry is the missing ingredient, and without a unifying voice and clearly defined roles, even the world’s best can struggle to unlock their full potential.
Two light snipers’ takeaways to brighten the mood: 1) If chemistry were a goal, Madrid would be in the top percentile—someone should bottle their last pre-season meeting. 2) Madrid’s future might just depend on a group hug more than a tactical drill; yes, it’s that simple—and that complicated at once.
