Former Real Madrid manager Zinadine Zidane has backed Karim Benzema to win the Ballon d’Or. The French stalwart is in sizzling form, both for his club and national team. Zidane, who had coached Benzema during his term with Real Madrid, said that the striker is capable to do everything on the pitch.
Benzema has made it to the 30-man shortlisted candidates for Ballon d’Or. He boosted his chances by winning the UEFA Nations League with France, which was also his first international trophy. Benzema is in some good company as the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho are also in the running for the award. However, Zidane has put his money on Benzema to claim the prestigious award. The striker has already scored 10 goals and seven assists for Real Madrid in all competitions.
"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 the Ballon d'Or," Sporskeeda quoted Zidane
Earlier, Benzema had said that winning the Ballon d’Or was always his dream. "It's been a dream since I was young and also a motivation. The Ballon d'Or represents the best players in the world and
"Yes, you could say that. What I've done for the last three to four years, to continue to perform at a high level. When I'm playing I don't think about the Ballon d'Or. I think about helping the team win, providing a spectacle."
"The Ballon d'Or comes as a result of that because it's more of an individual focus, but it's all about the collective."