Actual Madrid ahead Karim Benzema admitted his profession hasn’t at all times been straightforward after touchdown the Golden Ball for the primary time.
- Benzema wins Ballon d’Or
- Says it has been a tough journey
- Nonetheless has a ‘burning want’ to play
WHAT HAPPENED? The Frenchman shared his ideas on his profession after profitable the Ballon d’Or for the primary time on the age of 34. Benzema claimed the prize after scoring 44 targets in 46 video games for Actual Madrid final season and profitable the league title in Spain and the Champions League. Sadio Mane completed in second place and Kevin De Bruyne got here third.
WHAT THEY SAID: “This makes me actually proud, all of the work I did, I by no means gave up. I had two function fashions in my life, Zidane and Ronaldo as properly. I at all times had this dream in my thoughts that all the pieces’s attainable. There was a tough interval the place I wasn’t within the French crew however I labored arduous and by no means gave up, stored my head down and loved enjoying soccer,” he stated. “I’m actually pleased with my journey right here, it wasn’t straightforward, it was tough, for me and my household. Age is only a quantity for me. Individuals play till their later years now and I nonetheless have this burning want. It’s this drive that has stored me going and by no means allowed me to let up. It stored this dream alive and was the fireplace behind me. I simply need to take advantage of if it.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: It is no shock to see Benzema scoop the award after a sensational season for Carlo Ancelotti’s facet. The striker spent a big a part of his profession enjoying second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo however has thrived in recent times and turn out to be Madrid’s talisman. Benzema additionally returned to the France nationwide crew after a six-year absence and was a part of the facet that received the 2021 Nations League.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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DID YOU KNOW? Benzema is the oldest participant to win the Ballon d’Or for the primary time since Stanley Matthews in 1956.
WHAT NEXT FOR BENZEMA? The Frenchman is because of return to motion for Actual Madrid on Wednesday in La Liga in opposition to backside facet Elche.