Ferenc Puskas is still held as one of Real Madrid’s most respected legends. The Hungarian forward moved to Spain at the age of 31 and didn’t have a modern footballer’s physique.
However, despite being on the wrong side of 30 and not having the best physical figure, he won four Pichichi trophies during his time with Los Blancos. Those four top scorer awards were won when Puskas was 33,34,36 and 37. The legendary Madrid forward won the award despite being over 30, and in 21/22, Karim Benzema is on his way to achieve the same feat.
The French forward finished second in the scoring charts for the last two seasons, and was surpassed by Lionel Messi on both occasions. However, now that the Argentinian has left Barcelona to join PSG, Benzema is the automatic favourite to land the Pichichi award this season.
He already leads the scoring charts this season, with 6 goals to his name from five games in the Spanish league. His closest competitor for the Golden Boot is his teammate and attacking partner Vinicius Jr, who is enjoying his best season with Madrid yet, in terms of goalscoring returns.
Benzema is recognised as the most underrated number 9 in the world, especially considering his contributions for Madrid since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018. The France international could match Ferenc Puskas by the end of the season, and will surely finish his career with Madrid as one of the highest scorers in the history of the club.
