Five reasons why Karim Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or
Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, and here’s why.
Karim Benzema is the overwhelming favourite to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or. Here are five of the reasons why the Real Madrid forward should lift the trophy.
The goals scored
Benzema scored 44 goals during the season with Madrid: 27 in LaLiga, where he was the top scorer, 15 in the Champions League and two in the Spanish Super Cup. He scored another six with France, where he was also the star of the show. In terms of goals, only Robert Lewandowski was able to score more. The Polish striker scored 50 goals in 46 games for Bayern Munich and six in seven games for his national team.
On the verge of record
The 15 goals Benzema scored in the Champions League provided him with the possibility of equalling or beating an all-time record, the 17 goals that Cristiano Ronaldo managed to score in 2013-14. The Frenchman failed to score in the Champions League final in Paris and ended up with 15 goals in 12 games, missing one game through injury.
Champions League performances
Benzema was undoubtedly the most important man for Madrid in their Champions League-winning season. A hat-trick helped Madrid complete a remarkable comeback against PSG in the last 16. He scored another hat-trick at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the quarter-final to set Madrid up for the semi-finals. The France international, in sensational form, scored 10 goals between the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Titles won
Madrid started the season by winning the Spanish Super Cup. And then came the double, La Liga and Champions League, something that the club has only achieved four times in its history.
Nations League success
Benzema won the Nations League with France, beating Spain in the final. He was decisive for his country in the competition, scoring in the semi-final and final.