Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema had an incredible 2021-22 season that catapulted him to the Ballon d'Or conversation, and according to him, Cristiano Ronaldo played a big role in his rise.

Benzema has learned a lot playing alongside Ronaldo during his nine-year stay in Real Madrid, though he admitted that he can never match what the forward has achieved throughout his career.

“When I watched him, I tried to understand everything he did: the goals, the shots, the passes, the ball control. I dissected everything about Ronaldo. That’s why I can say: it’s impossible to achieve the same,” Benzema said in an interview with Onze Mondial, per Mirror.

Cristiano Ronaldo played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018, during which he cemented his status as one of the best, if not the best player of his generation. With that said, it is no wonder why Karim Benzema has nothing but high praises for the now-Manchester United striker.

As he mentioned as well, Benzema has a lot to thank Ronaldo for. During the 2021-22 season, the France international accumulated 27 La Liga and 15 Champions League goals. His performance has made him the favorite to win Ballon d'Or, something that even Lionel Messi said the veteran scorer deserves.

“I think there are no doubts, it’s very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended up with the Champions League…I think there are no doubts this year,” Messi said of Benzema after Real Madrid won the Champions League.

Surely with the way he played, Ronaldo would be proud of his former teammate if he wins the Ballon d'Or.