Real Madrid: Where does Karim Benzema rank amongst the Ballon d’Or favourites?
1. KARIM BENZEMA – REAL MADRID
Not so long ago, I had written an article on how Karim Benzema’s phenomenal start to the 2021-22 season could pave his path for the 2022 Ballon d’Or. However, it looks like Benzema could win his first Ballon d’Or next month itself after winning the UEFA Nations League with France.
He finished the 2020-2021 season with 30 goals and nine assists in all competitions for Real Madrid. He scored in all the big games against the likes of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter, Valencia and Sevilla.
His performances with Real Madrid earned him back his call to the French national team for the Euro 2020 where he scored four goals which earned him the bronze boot in the competition. His performances last season were beyond phenomenal but a trophy was lacking to build a strong case for the Ballon d’Or.
dark. Next. Real Madrid: There is only one job left for Zinedine Zidane
His success with France in the Nations League and his performance in the final has already made him a favourite in France to win the Ballon d’Or. Most Ligue 1 managers are in favour of Karim Benzema while other legends around the world have shared the same opinion.
What gives Benzema the edge ahead of Messi, is that he’s been unstoppable in 2021. Lionel Messi has struggled at Paris Saint-Germain whereas Karim Benzema continues to fire all cylinders for Real Madrid this season with 10 goals and seven assists to his name. The 33-year-old is currently the best player in the world and has been the best since the start of 2021. It would only be just that Karim Benzema wins the Ballon d’Or this year.