Will Real Madrid ‘wash hands’ of Kylian Mbappe? Karim Benzema used in ‘Galactico’ argument as World Cup-winning French forward searches for a spark

Blancos president Florentino Perez returned to his favoured recruitment strategy in the summer of 2024 when luring World Cup winner Mbappe away from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. The France international has become another superstar addition at Santiago Bernabeu.

Questions have been asked of his early contributions in the Spanish capital, as he adapts to a central striking berth, with it even being suggested by some that an expensive experiment could be cut short. Real do, however, have history when it comes to managing players of Mbappe’s ilk.

His fellow countryman Benzema took some time to get going in Madrid, as he operated in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Real are expected to adopt a similar approach with Mbappe. Jonathan Johnson, a France-based correspondent for CBS Sports, has told the PSG Talk Extra podcast: “I’m not sure that I can see Real Madrid willingly looking to wash their hands of him quite quickly. I think if something was to happen with the legal investigation in Sweden, that could potentially change the situation.

“But in terms of speaking solely about what’s going on the pitch at this moment in time, it’s easy to forget that Karim Benzema had a couple of really lean years at the beginning of his Real Madrid career before ultimately being able to turn it around, and not just turn it around, ultimately leave the club as a legendary figure and a Ballon d’Or winner.

“I do think that’s an example that Mbappé needs to keep reminding himself of. But also, it’s not really the same sport as it was 10 years ago or when Benzema was first taking steps with Real Madrid. Things have changed massively. There’s a lot less patience in the game.”

Benzema hit only nine goals in his debut campaign with Real, and Mbappe is already up to 11 this term. He is tied to a contract through to 2029 and is expected to become a success story once fully adjusted to the demands of life outside of his comfort zone in France.