Benzema, one goal away from equalling Raúl’s Real Madrid record
The French striker can equal or surpass the tally held by Raúl if he scores in the derby: a brace would make him Madrid’s second-highest goalscorer in history.
Karim Benzema is one step away from equaling a record held by a Real Madrid icon as the Frenchman is just one goal away from catching Raúl in the ranking of top scorers in Real Madrid’s history. The former Lyon striker has found the net 323 times in the famous white shirt in his more than 15 years as a player with the side from the Spanish capital. Benzema has has five games remaining this season to surpass Raúl and would sit behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the overall ranking. The Portuguese striker bagged 450 goals in 438 games for Real Madrid with that record practically unattainable.
Improving with age
Like a fine wine, the French striker is improving with age and this season alone, Benzema has scored 43 goals in 43 games. The forward began the campaign with 279 goals, 11 goals behind Santillana and 29 behind Di Stéfano, fifth and fourth respectively in the all-time scoring charts, but his spectacular strike-rate this season has taken him into the top three. He has been prolific in the league with 26 goals (top scorer in LaLiga) and is on 15 goals in the Champions League 2021-22 campaign and bagged a two goals in the Spanish Super Cup.
Real Madrid: All time top scorers (name/goals)
- Cristiano 450
- Raúl 323
- Benzema 322
- Di Stéfano 308
- Santillana 290
- Puskas 242
- Hugo Sánchez 208
- Gento 182
- Pirri 172
- Butragueño 171
The French striker looks set to start against Atlético Madrid in Sunday’s derby game and has four league games ahead of him to increase his tally plus the small matter of a Champions League final in Paris at the end of May where ‘Los Blancos’ will look to secure their 14th European Cup against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.