Paris – Karim Benzema’s attention to the team was rewarded with the Real Madrid and France striker winning the Ballon d’Or as the best footballer in the world after an exceptional season in which the Spanish team won the Champions League .
The 34-year-old, who returned to France after a six-year absence due to a blackmail scandal, helped Real Madrid win two La Liga and Champions League braces.
His collaboration with Kylian Mbappé, although imperfect, made the French attack one of the most important lines of attack in the world.
Benzema, who is efficient in front of goal, plays a role in the brilliance of his teammates and the Ballon d’Or has come to reward his selfless approach.
“It’s a collective victory, it’s an individual prize but you can’t score without your teammates, you could score a fantastic goal but for me football is a team game and I will always play for the interest of the team,” said Benzema. to Reuters.
Benzema began his career at Olympique Lyonnais before moving to Real Madrid in 2009 after four years with the French first team.
“I never give up, I was lucky enough to join Real Madrid, the best team in the world, and despite the difficulties I had to face at the beginning I kept my concentration, I worked on my mental health, I was brave and determined “.
Benzema received the Ballon d’Or from Zinedine Zidane, the last French player to win the award in 1998.
“Zidane is a big brother to me, he was my coach (at Real Madrid 2016-2018 and 2019-2021) and he means a lot to me, he’s the best French player in history, so that makes him exceptional,” said Benzema. .
The veteran striker hopes to win his first title with France when he takes part in the World Cup in Qatar, after missing his coronation in Russia 2018.
“My goal is to continue to enjoy playing football and scoring goals and help my teammates score, the World Cup is the next challenge,” he added of the finals, which will start on November 20.
Despite his previous strained relationship with France manager Didier Deschamps, Benzema stressed that winning the Ballon d’Or means nothing.
He continued: “Revenge doesn’t help you mature, I don’t want to blame my mistakes, they gave me more mental strength, I don’t regret anything, what happened happened, but what matters is what happens today.”
