Benzema told the media that he believes Real Madrid today is much stronger than during the era of the trio of Benzema, Ronaldo, and Gareth Bale. He particularly praised one player, saying Real Madrid will win La Liga: “His skills are even better than mine.”

Karim Benzema, former Real Madrid striker and legend, has surprised the football world with recent statements in which he praised the current Real Madrid team, stating that it is stronger than the one he was part of with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, known as the famous “BBC.” In an interview with MARCA on January 11, 2025, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Al-Ittihad, Benzema was full of praise for the squad managed by Xabi Alonso, especially singling out Vinícius Júnior, of whom he stated: “His skills are even better than mine.” These words, full of admiration, reflect the Frenchman’s confidence that Real Madrid will win La Liga in 2025-26.

Benzema, who wore the Real Madrid shirt for 14 seasons, amassed 25 titles, including five Champions League titles, and scored 354 goals in 648 matches, establishing himself as the club’s second-highest scorer in all of his career, behind only Ronaldo. His departure in 2023 to Al-Ittihad marked the end of a golden era, but the Frenchman remains a Real Madrid fan at heart. During his visit to Real Madrid’s team hotel in Jeddah, where the team was playing in the Spanish Super Cup, Benzema shared moments with his former teammates and the coaching staff, reaffirming his emotional connection to the club. “Real Madrid is always Real Madrid, a team to win everything,” he said, highlighting the team’s ability to compete in all competitions.

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid, who will debut in La Liga in 2025-26 against Osasuna on August 19, according to the official schedule, have integrated new talents such as Dean Huijsen, Gonzalo and Trent Alexander-Arnold, alongside established leaders such as Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. The latter, who inherited the number 9 shirt from Benzema, was key last season by winning the Pichichi trophy. However, it was Vinícius Júnior who caught Benzema’s attention. “I told Vinícius not to pay attention, that he’s the best in the world and that one day he’ll win the Ballon d’Or,” said the Frenchman, highlighting the Brazilian’s explosiveness, vision and goalscoring ability, who is already a central figure in Alonso’s system.

The comparison with the BBC is not insignificant. Between 2014 and 2018, Benzema, Ronaldo, and Bale formed an attacking trio that led Real Madrid to four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles, among other trophies. However, Benzema believes the current squad has even greater potential due to its balance of youth and experience. “This team has everything: speed, technique, leadership, and a hunger for titles,” he asserted. Alonso’s arrival as coach, following Carlo Ancelotti’s successful tenure, has brought a renewed tactical approach, with a more vertical style of play that leverages the qualities of players like Vinicius and Mbappé.

Benzema also reflected on his own career, highlighting his happiness at Al-Ittihad, where he leads the Saudi Pro League with 10 goals in 11 games this season. His brace in the Saudi Cup semifinal against Al-Hilal, which went to penalties, was a reminder of his undiminished quality at 37 years old. However, the Frenchman did not rule out retiring in May 2025, although he also mentioned that his body still feels good and that he will decide his future based on how he feels. What does seem clear is his return to Real Madrid as an ambassador, an agreement agreed with Florentino Pérez to represent the club in the Arab world, a strategic market for Los Blancos.

The impact of Benzema’s words has resonated with Real Madrid fans, who see Vinícius as a worthy heir to the French legend. With the first Clásico of the season scheduled for October 26 at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid will look to prove that Benzema’s words are not just a compliment, but a prediction. Meanwhile, the Frenchman continues to shine in Saudi Arabia, but his heart remains in Madrid, where his legacy as one of the club’s greatest ever players is secure.