Karim Benzema became the new Ballon d’Or winner last night as he became the first Frenchman since Zinedine Zidane in 1998 to win the prestigious award. It was a recognition for his fantastic work for Real Madrid as he helped them win their 14th Champions League last season and had led the team from the front after the departures of several superstars over the years.
After winning the award, Benzema shared that he has been a lifelong admirer of Ronaldo Nazario and considers the Brazilian to be his idol. He also credited his compatriot Zidane for having a special impact in his career.
This is the first time he is winning the Ballon d’Or and he very well deserved it after a stellar campaign with Los Blancos last season where they won both the Champions League and the La Liga and Benzema guided the young attack with precision.
In hgis acceptance speech, Benzema mentioned Ronaldo Nazario’s name who was present at the ceremony. He said, “Ronaldo Nazario knows that he is my idol and everyone knows that we will never see anyone like him again.”
Benzema then went on to credit Zinedine Zidane who presented him the award and was also the last Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or back in 1998. So it was a special moment that both Benzema and his former Real Madrid manager shared as the former praised the latter for his contribution. He shared how he never lost heart and kept fighting for his dreams even when he was not a part of the national team. “I had two role models in life: Zizou and Ronaldo. I’ve never lowered my efforts and I’ve kept the dream in my head, even through a period in which I was not in the national team.”
He shared how things were difficult during that time and he credited his Real Madrid teammates to have his back. He shared how he worked hard for his dreams and hence he is here with the award in his hand. “But I did not lower my efforts and it worked. It has been difficult and this only made me stronger mentally. I am satisfied with my work and I am very happy. I thank my teammates at Real Madrid and the national team,” Benzema concluded.
While Benzema won the award, Bayern Munich’s new star Sadio Mane finished second for having a stellar season with club and country whereas Kevin de Bruyne finished third from Manchester City. FC Barcelona’s Gavi won the Kopa trophy while Manchester City won the Club. The Catalans also bagged the best striker award as Robert Lewandowski bagged along with the Women’s Ballon d’Or going to FC Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas.
