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Karim Benzema is a strong contender for the 2021 Ballon d'Or award. Benzema has aged like fine wine, only getting better with every passing year.
The 33-year-old has stepped up since the exit of Real Madrid's all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer of 2018. Benzema has scored 20 league goals in each of his last three campaigns and has taken things up a notch this season.
He has already scored 15 goals across competitions this campaign, while racking up seven assists as well. Benzema has also sizzled on his return to international football after six years.
The Frenchman has scored nine international goals this year. Four of them came at Euro 2020, two in France's victorious Nations League campaign, and three in Les Bleus' successful 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
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Considering his stellar numbers for club and country this year, many legends across sports have tipped Benzema to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or award. On that note, here's a look at five such personalities:
#5 Rafael Nadal (Tennis legend, 20-time Grand Slam winner)
Rafael Nadal is one of the legends in the sport of tennis, having won a record-equalling 20 Grand Slam titles and numerous other tournaments.
The Spaniard, who is a huge fan of Real Madrid, recently voiced his support for Karim Benzema to win this year's Ballon d'Or award. Nadal tweeted in this regard:
The English translation of Nadal's tweet reads:
“My admiration as a player, the commitment to sports and professionalism at his age. Good luck and my support for the 2021 Golden Ball @Benzema”
Regarding the possibility of him winning the prestigious accolade this year, Benzema has said:
“Win the Ballon d'Or? Yes, that would be one of the many dreams I have had since childhood. Of course I dreamed of it as a kid.”
It remains to be seen if the absence of a major title this year adversely impacts Benzema's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or. However, if he manages to clinch it, he will become the first Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or award in two decades.
#4 Carlo Ancelotti (manages Karim Benzema at Real Madrid)
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has fared well on his return to the club since leading them to the 2014 UEFA Champions League title.
The Italian is one of a handful of men in the history of the sport to win league titles in four different countries. Spain is one of the places where he hasn't won one. However, that could change come the end of the season, thanks to Karim Benzema's imperious all-round exploits.
Considering the same, the legendary tactician has tipped his star striker to win this year's Ballon d'Or title. He recently said in this regard:
“I think for what he did last season and for what he is doing now, he must be on the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Karim has time to win it because I don’t think it will be his last season. Apparently, he is like a fine wine, it gets better with age.”
Benzema certainly has the numbers and performances to win the Ballon d'Or award this year. But unlike other contenders like Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho and Lionel Messi, the Frenchman's lack of a major title in 2021 could go against him.
#3 Didier Deschamps (1998 FIFA World Cup winner and current France manager)
France manager Didier Deschamps has tipped his compatriot Karim Benzema to win this year's Ballon d'Or award.
Benzema has sizzled under the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner, who managed Les Bleus in their victorious campaign in the competition in 2018. Returning to the international fold after six years, the Real Madrid man has scored goals galore, perhaps making up for lost time.
“Yes, clearly,” Deschamps said in a press conference when asked about Benzema's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or award this year.
It remains to be seen if that turns out to be the case on Monday, November 29, when the 2021 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced.
#2 Ronaldo Nazario (two-time Ballon d'Or winner)
Ronaldo Nazario is a two-time Ballon d'Or winner. His first win in 1997 made him the youngest player to win the prestigious accolade; Ronaldo was only 21 at the time.
Considered one of the finest and most skilful strikers to have graced the game, Ronaldo has tipped Karim Benzema to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or award. The Brazilian said in this regard:
“Without a doubt, my candidate for the Ballon d'Or is Benzema. The best forward in the world, (an) incredibly high level for 10 years and a champion above all. Worthy of the award, don't you think?”
Benzema is certainly a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or award this year. But it would be a surprise if he wins it ahead of the likes of Messi, Lewandowski and Jorginho, who all won major titles this year.
#1 Zinedine Zidane (1998 Ballon d'Or winner)
Zinedine Zidane is one of the most storied names in the history of the sport. After a hugely successful career for club and country, the Frenchman found success on the other side of the touchline too.
The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner won every major title on offer before becoming the first manager in history to win three consecutive Champions League titles. Zidane, who is currently on a sabbatical from management, recently spoke about Karim Benzema's 2021 Ballon d'Or credentials.
The translation of his remarks, as quoted by Telefoot, reads:
“Benzema deserves to win this Ballon d'Or. He is an incredible player, I had the great honor of coaching him. He can do everything on the pitch. He is on top, and I hope that he could be awarded this Ballon d'Or.”
However, it remains to be seen if voters will think likewise when they decide the 2021 Ballon d'Or winner on Monday.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
