Real Madrid just pulled off the unthinkable and won their 14th Champions League title over the weekend despite being on the brink of elimination on three different occasions throughout the competition.
A huge reason for their triumph is Karim Benzema, who enjoyed a campaign for the ages. That's put him in the Ballon d'Or conversation, with the current holder, PSG star Lionel Messi, making it crystal clear the Frenchman deserves to win the award this time around.
“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.”
The Real Madrid talisman led LaLiga with 27 goals while also tallying 12 assists. But his real brilliance came in Europe. Benzema netted a mind-boggling 15 times in 12 appearances, including three goals in the semifinals across two legs vs. Manchester City. He also saved Los Blancos in the quarterfinals, firing four past title-holders Chelsea in a drama-filled pair of encounters.
Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who wants to leave Anfield this summer, would've also been in the mix for the Ballon d'Or because of his heroics for Senegal at AFCON and after a solid season for the Reds. But since Jurgen Klopp's side didn't win the UCL, this is likely Benzema's award for the taking now.
The Real Madrid striker certainly deserves it. He is arguably the most in-form player on the globe right now and Benzema is undoubtedly the reason Carlo Ancelotti's side tasted European glory once again.
Might as well put his name on the Ballon d'Or already.
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