Benzema encourages Vinícius during difficult period

Benzema publicly backed his former Real Madrid teammate on Instagram amid criticism over recent performances and increased competition for his starting spot.

Karim Benzema has publicly expressed support for Vinícius Júnior on Instagram, sharing a photo with his former Real Madrid teammate and the message 'Number one, always'. The gesture comes as the 26-year-old Brazilian winger faces mounting criticism over his recent performances, including a subdued display in the Champions League match against AEK Athens. Competition for his starting position has intensified with the emergence of Ivorian forward Yan Diomande.

Benzema's show of support carries particular weight given the mentorship relationship the two forwards developed at Madrid. When Vinícius arrived from Flamengo at 18, Benzema took him under his wing, helping him improve his decision-making and finishing. In 2021, Benzema revealed he spoke regularly with Vinícius and was sometimes stern with him because he believed the Brazilian had more to give. 'I believe in Vinícius. I talk a lot with him. Sometimes I speak to him strictly, but that's because I know he can give more,' Benzema said at the time, calling him 'a phenomenon when he wants to be'.