Following the highs of Victor Boniface‘s debut campaign on the books of Bayer Leverkusen last season — when he bagged 21 goals and 10 assists en route to winning the DFB-Pokal and Bundesliga title — the centre-forward now finds himself an increasingly peripheral figure at the BayArena.
Emerging reports indicate that Super Eagles star could be on the agenda for Real Madrid, especially with the club reportedly set to appoint his current manager at Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso, as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.
Alonso has transformed Leverkusen into Bundesliga champions with a blend of tactical discipline, attacking fluidity, and defensive steel. At the heart of that transformation has been Boniface—strong, skillful, and selfless.
It’s not just his goals that stand out; it’s his ability to elevate those around him, much like Karim Benzema did during his illustrious spell in Madrid. As Los Blancos build a team around superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Boniface might be exactly what they need: a striker who embraces the shadows so others can shine in the spotlight.
Here’s how Boniface could become Real Madrid’s new Benzema.
A selfless focal point in the final third
Real Madrid's attack, though brimming with pace and flair, is missing a certain type of forward—one who acts as a link between midfield and attack, capable of scoring but just as eager to assist. Boniface’s style mirrors the characteristics that made Benzema irreplaceable for years. He doesn’t just lead the line; he knits it together.
While Benzema thrived in creating space for Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Boniface has shown similar traits at Leverkusen—dropping into midfield to combine, playing with his back to goal, and offering a physical presence that unsettles defenders.
He sees himself more as a No. 10 than a classic No. 9, and that self-awareness is a tactical asset in a Madrid setup likely to feature Mbappé and Vinícius cutting in from wide areas.
The 24-year-old has proven he is quite adept at setting others up to score even when he is not finding the net himself.
Victor Boniface: tactical intelligence that complements star power
Having worked closely under Alonso, Boniface already understands the tactical discipline expected at the highest level. At Leverkusen, he has seamlessly balanced creative freedom with positional responsibility—attributes Alonso may seek to replicate if handed the reins at Madrid.
The Akure-born forward doesn’t just play with power; he plays with purpose. His off-the-ball movement draws defenders out of shape, his pressing triggers team-wide responses, and his hold-up play buys time for onrushing teammates.
He leads from the front, pressing with intensity, lifting teammates through his work ethic, and showing up in decisive moments.
In a Madrid system that could revolve around Mbappé’s speed and Vinícius’ dribbling, Boniface provides the perfect foil: a striker who won’t compete for spotlight but will orchestrate it.
This tactical awareness and adaptability—whether in a 4-3-3 or a fluid attacking setup—make him not just a promising option but a strategic fit.
Boniface may not yet carry the global allure of a Galáctico, but in temperament and team-first mentality, he reflects everything Madrid have lacked this season. If Los Blancos are seeking not just a striker, but a spiritual successor to Benzema’s legacy, the Nigerian forward could well be the perfect heir.
