Real Madrid are not looking to “wash their hands” of Kylian Mbappe, with Karim Benzema held up as an example of how to handle ‘Galactico’ additions.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez returned to his preferred recruitment strategy in the summer of 2024 by signing World Cup winner Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. The French star has become the latest superstar addition at Santiago Bernabéu.There have been questions about Mbappé’s early impact in Madrid, especially as he adjusts to playing in a central striker role. Some have even speculated that the expensive move could be cut short. However, Real Madrid has a history of managing high-profile players like Mbappé, which could help him settle in and find his form.

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WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Karim Benzema, like his fellow countryman Mbappé, took some time to establish himself at Real Madrid, operating in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid is expected to adopt a similar approach with Mbappé, according to Jonathan Johnson, a France-based correspondent for CBS Sports, who spoke on the PSG Talk Extra podcast. Johnson remarked, “I don’t see Real Madrid rushing to part ways with him unless there is a significant change, such as developments in the legal investigation in Sweden.”

He also pointed out that Benzema struggled during his early years at Madrid, scoring just nine goals in his debut season. However, he eventually turned things around, leaving the club as a legendary figure and a Ballon d’Or winner. Johnson emphasized, “Mbappé should keep Benzema’s example in mind,” although he acknowledged that the football landscape has changed significantly since Benzema’s early days at Madrid. “There’s much less patience in the game now,” he added.

Currently, Mbappé has already scored 11 goals this season and is under contract until 2029. Once he fully adapts to life outside of France, he is expected to become a major success story for the club.