Karim Benzema has publicly thrown his support behind Vinicius Junior as the Real Madrid forward faces growing criticism and increasing competition from emerging Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande.
The former Real Madrid striker posted a photograph with his old team-mate on Instagram, alongside the message: “Number one, forever.”
Benzema’s intervention comes after a difficult period for Vinicius, whose performances have disappointed and prompted repeated comparisons with Diomande, the club’s new young star.
The 26-year-old Brazilian also failed to impress in Real Madrid’s Champions League match against AEK Athens. Criticism of him has intensified, while Diomande’s emergence has increased the competition for a place in the starting line-up.
Benzema’s words carry particular weight because of the close relationship the two forwards developed during their time together in Madrid. When Vinicius arrived from Flamengo at the age of 18, Benzema regularly helped guide him.
The Frenchman worked with his younger team-mate on his decision-making and his finishing in front of goal. However, that support did not mean Benzema always spared him criticism.
In 2021, Benzema said he spoke frequently with Vinicius and could sometimes be demanding because he believed the Brazilian was capable of much more.
“I believe in Vinicius. I speak to him a lot. Sometimes I can be a little hard on him, but that is because I know he can do even better,” Benzema said at the time.
He also described Vinicius as a “phenomenon if he wants to be”.
Real Madrid travel to Valencia on Saturday evening, with Diomande in the squad and Vinicius unavailable through suspension.
The following day, the opponents of Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will face one another.