Real Madrid star Benzema, 34, is at his best and has been Ronaldo's deputy for most of the past decade, releasing himself since the Portuguese superstar left in 2018.
The France international has scored at least 20 league goals in four consecutive seasons, interestingly, he has only reached that number twice in his first nine seasons at Real Madrid.
Benzema has scored 32 goals and 13 assists in 34 games this season. It is no exaggeration to say that he is the best player in the world so far in the 2021-22 season.
He is struggling to achieve his career-best league goals and assist stats, while at the same time he scored eight goals in this year's Champions League, which is already his best result in a single season.
The striker has played 593 games for Real Madrid since joining Real Madrid from Lyon in 2009 for a price of 35 million euros, scoring 311 goals and 157 assists. Benzema surpassed Raul (323 goals) to become the second-most goalscoring player in Real Madrid's history, behind cristiano Ronaldo (450 goals).
While Benzema has performed well, it would be wise for Real Madrid to start looking for a replacement now. Their current forward reserve candidates – Jovic and Mariano – don't seem to have enough strength to replace Benzema.
At this point, let's take a look at the five players who can replace Benzema.
5. Darwin Nunez (Benfica)
Benfica's 22-year-old striker Darwin Nunez is enjoying a breakthrough season with 20 goals in 22 league games and 4 in the Champions League. Since joining Benfica for €24 million two years ago, the young Uruguayan has scored 40 goals in 77 games.
Núñez recently scored the only goal of the match to help Benfica beat Ajax 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.
He is impressively fit, but also has quick feet and explosive power. He has the potential to develop into a good striker and Real Madrid can try to buy him to replace Benzema.
4. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
There was growing voices about Rashford's future at Manchester United, with fans clashing with fans in the Champions League round of 16, when he was eliminated by Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old Briton is already experienced, making nearly 300 appearances for United and scoring 93 goals. Despite scoring just five goals in 26 games this season, the team still seems to value Marcus Rashford very much. Recent reports suggest he is unhappy with his playing time and may be thinking about his future at Old Trafford.
He's fast, he's shooting hard, and changing circumstances may allow him to succeed, as his contract expires in 2023. If the player does ask for a transfer, Real Could even negotiate a contract with him for less than €85 million.
3. Osmaine (Naples)
After a hot season at Napoli, 23-year-old striker Osmayne was dragged down by injuries in the second half. Still, he has proven why Napoli paid him a huge transfer fee of €75 million in 2019.
Osmayne has scored 13 goals and four assists in 24 games this season and is on track to reach double digits for a third consecutive season in league goals, with recent reports that both Manchester United and Real Madrid are interested in signing the striker.
Although Osmayne is far from releasing himself, with his speed, high shooting percentage and deadly shooting ability, he could become an intimidating center.
2. Haaland (Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund's 21-year-old striker Haaland doesn't need an introduction, and it's not hard to see why Real Madrid want to sign him. Since joining Dortmund in 2019, Haaland has scored 80 goals and assisted 21 times in 81 games.
Haaland is already a true superstar and is already a very mature player at his age. Despite concerns that Haaland is vulnerable to muscle damage, he is still the most popular player in the world.
City have reportedly agreed to the player's personal terms and will launch a €75 million termination clause. However, some people believe that the transaction is not over, and Real Madrid still has a chance.
1. Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Real Madrid beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals, which hastened Kylian Mbappe's departure from Paris. The coming weeks will reveal whether that will help Real Madrid sign 23-year-old French superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid desperately wanted the Paris Saint-Germain striker last summer and was willing to spend a fortune on him. Although their €180 million offer was rejected, real madrid now have the potential to sign one of the best players in the world for free.
Mbappe has scored 26 goals in 36 games this season, providing 17 assists and his contract expires this summer. Now, in the final months of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, there is no indication that he is going to renew his contract.
The Frenchman, who considers himself an admirer of Ronaldo and Real Madrid, seems more likely than ever to be the next galactic fleet leader for the White Legion.