2022 Real Madrid Home – Karim Benzema #9 Large

The 2022–23 season was another high-level campaign for Real Madrid, as the reigning European champions sought to defend both domestic and continental crowns under Carlo Ancelotti. While they did not replicate the double of the previous year, Madrid remained among Europe’s elite and added more silverware to an already historic era.

In La Liga, Real Madrid finished 2nd, behind Barcelona, after an inconsistent league run where injuries and fixture congestion affected momentum. In domestic cups, however, Madrid won the Copa del Rey, defeating Osasuna in the final to secure the club’s first Spanish Cup title since 2014. They also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, underlining their continued global dominance.

In the UEFA Champions League, Madrid reached the semi-finals, eliminating Liverpool and Chelsea before being comprehensively defeated by Manchester City. Even so, their run reinforced the club’s unmatched culture of competing deep into Europe every season.

The 2022–23 Real Madrid home kit, produced by adidas, featured a classic white base with elegant purple detailing, a tribute to historic alternate colors long associated with the club. Clean, regal, and unmistakably Madrid, the shirt quickly became a standout modern vintage football shirt.

Player’s Impact – Karim Benzema

The 2022–23 season was the final chapter of Karim Benzema’s legendary Real Madrid career and another demonstration of his elite class. Fresh off winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or, Benzema entered the season as captain and central attacking leader.

Despite dealing with injuries during parts of the campaign, Benzema still produced outstanding numbers, scoring 31 goals in all competitions. Operating as a complete center-forward, he combined intelligent movement, link-up play, and clinical finishing. Rather than functioning as a static striker, Benzema constantly dropped between lines, connected midfield play, and created space for wide runners such as Vinícius Júnior.

His most iconic moment of the season came in the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea, where he delivered another decisive European performance. He also scored a memorable hat-trick against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final at Camp Nou, helping Madrid reach the final.

This season cemented Benzema’s status as one of the greatest forwards in club history. It was not just about goals, but leadership, elegance, and the final act of a player who evolved from supporting star to the face of a dynasty.

Full Squad List (Real Madrid – 2022–23 Season)

Manager: Carlo Ancelotti

Goalkeepers:
Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Luis López

Defenders:
Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho Fernández, Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vázquez

Midfielders:
Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Casemiro (early season departure context), Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos

Forwards:
Karim Benzema (captain), Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Mariano Díaz