In a recent interview, French football legend Florent Malouda opened up about Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and his remarkable growth over the years. According to Malouda, Benzema’s dedication and hard work are crucial, but he also attributes much of the player’s development to one particular individual – Cristiano Ronaldo.
Malouda, who played alongside Benzema for the French national team, revealed that Ronaldo had a significant impact on Benzema’s approach to the game. The Portuguese superstar’s work ethic and discipline were infectious, and Benzema was keen to emulate his success.
Florent Malouda was a part of Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League winning squad. In an interview with ICE 36, the former French midfielder made comments on the work ethics of his former national teammate ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter final against Chelsea.
See you in London #halamadrid 🙌🏽🤍 #alhamdulillah 🤲🏽🤍 #nueve ☄️ pic.twitter.com/3gSVbzJ9Zu
— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) April 12, 2023
“To reach the very height of the game, you must understand what can give you the edge over the very best. You must work harder than everyone else and Karim understood that,” Malouda said to ICE 36.
“I also think that Cristiano Ronaldo had a big impact on him – the way he trains, his dedication – he was inspired by that. You can now see the results. He is 35 but he is still improving,” he added.
“He has proven that anything is possible – age is not a limit – and this season, especially with what happened with the French national team, and he will use that as motivation.”
Karim Benzema was overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo
During Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid, he was undoubtedly the club’s biggest star. With his incredible goal-scoring record, his highlight-reel goals, and his larger-than-life personality, Ronaldo was the focus of much of the media attention and fanfare. This left Benzema somewhat in his shadow, despite the Frenchman’s consistent contributions to the team.
However, since Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus in 2018, Benzema has stepped up to fill the void. He has become a key player for Real Madrid, leading the team’s attack and consistently delivering important goals in crucial moments.
Karim Benzema ties Erling Haaland for the most goals scored among players from Europe's top five leagues since the World Cup break 🤯
They're inevitable 😤 pic.twitter.com/U3nuWOXHlN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 12, 2023
In fact, the recent seasons have seen Benzema’s star shine brighter than ever before. He has been in scintillating form, scoring goals with ease and showing off his incredible skill and vision on the pitch. His performances have earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
Show me his Ballon Dor and 5 UCLs then lol. Benzema will forever be the greatest striker of this generation 👋 pic.twitter.com/Blt9CF5g04
— R0y_13🐼 (@Roy44nopxc3d) April 10, 2023
Despite the years spent in Ronaldo’s shadow, Karim Benzema has shown that he is a star in his own right. And with the way he is playing this season, it’s clear that he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
