Benzema calls Vinicius Jr Real Madrid's No. 1 after brace vs Espanyol, hints at Mbappe rivalry
Karim Benzema commented 'N1🔥🔥' on Vinicius Jr's Instagram post showing images from Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Espanyol, where the Brazilian scored two goals. This public endorsement positions Vinicius as Benzema's pick for the team's most important player above fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe.
The comment fuels an unspoken rivalry that began when Mbappe joined Madrid from PSG in 2024 after Vinicius nearly won the Ballon d'Or. Vinicius has 15 league goals this season (including just his fourth multi-goal game), while Mbappe leads with 24 despite injury issues. Benzema won the Champions League with Vinicius in 2022 but national team chemistry with Mbappe appears weaker.
For Nigerian football fans who follow LaLiga intensely, this social media exchange reflects real team dynamics affecting match outcomes and player legacies. Will Benzema's public backing shift fan perceptions of the Vinicius-Mbappe hierarchy, or does Mbappe's superior goal tally maintain his claim as Madrid's true No. 1?