Kurt Zouma, Virgil van Dijk and Lucas Digne have reacted to Real Madrid star Karim Benzema winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career on Monday evening.
The 34-year-old, who helped Real Madrid win the Champions League and La Liga last season, scored 44 goals in 46 games during that period and he can now rightfully call himself the best player in the world.
West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma would have trained alongside Benzema for France and he wrote on his Instagram story ‘Congratulations brother’, whilst Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne added on his Instagram story that it is ‘well deserved’.
Liverpool’s centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who is considered one of the best in the world in his position, posted clapping emojis on the player’s Instagram.
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
Lucas Modric was 33 when he lifted the Ballon d’Or in 2018 and now Benzema, a year older, is once again showing that age is just a number.
The France international has been at Real Madrid since 2009, and whilst in years gone by he has gone under the radar and behind the spotlight of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, he is now singing bright himself.
His performances in Europe last season, especially away from home, were crucial to Madrid becoming Kings of Europe for the 14th time, with his displays against Chelsea and Manchester City a standout.
And now, ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he will be hoping France can secure back-to-back honours – Benzema wasn’t part of the 2018 team that won in Russia.
That would just add the cherry on top of what has been quite a remarkable career for a player that will go down as one of Real Madrid, France and the world’s best.
In total, Benzema, from his 763 games on the domestic stage, has resulted in him scoring a remarkable 394 goals, added with 187 assists.
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