The French striker of FC Real Madrid has scored 44 goals for his team (Benzema’s individual record) in all competitions. Moreover, Real Madrid won three competitions (La Liga, the desirable UEFA Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana). These statistics make it obvious, that Benzema is one of the most possible candidates to win the Ballon d’Or.
In addition to club-level successes, Benzema has also starred in French national team. His breathtaking play after a long absence made everyone to admire him.
The list of his national achievements includes his fascinating goal in the final of UEFA Nations League (2021) and becoming the player of the match, when Les Bleus defeated Spain 2:1. The year of 2021 was finished with unbelievable 13 goals for his national team.
Very little number of players can reach Benzema’s level in 2021/22 season. For example, Robert Lewandowski scored more goals in club level, than Benzema, but he didn’t win as much trophies, as the French striker, which is a very important factor.
Expect of Lewandowski, only Kylian Mbappe and Kevin De Bruyne can compete with Benzema, but, the fact of Real Madrid’s Champions League trophy in 2022 have a really huge importance in that competition (Ballon d’Or).
The Shadowed Potential of Benzema
Unfortunately, Karim Benzema has never won Ballon d’Or before and the main reason of this must be the existence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema was overshadowed a lot for these years by the Portuguese football star. After Ronaldo’s transfer to Manchester United, Karim “got out” of the shade and has unlocked his great potential.
Though, for all these years, the 34-year-old striker has never been in the top 3 list of the competition, but today he is the main favorite to win the it.
Benzema is the Main Candidate to Win
The shortlist of 2022 men’s Ballon d’Or award includes 30 players. The favorites from these players are Benzema from Real Madrid, Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester, Mohamed Salah from Liverpool and Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich/Barcelona.
Karim is considered the major candidate, mostly for winning La Liga and Champions League for his club and being the top scorer in both these competitions.
