Benzema has no rivals to replace him.

 

In 2009, Real Madrid signed Karim Benzema from French club Lyon for 35 million euros.  Karim Benzema, who has become a Real Madrid legend after 13 years of his career in the Spanish capital, is a clear favorite in this year's Ballon d'Or - that's what most sports fans think.

When Real Madrid president Florentino Perez brought Benzema to Madrid, he believed Benzema would establish himself as one of the best players of his career at some point, and the French star was establishing his predictions.  The 34-year-old striker has scored 320 goals in 600 appearances in his Real Madrid career.  This time he won 20 titles for the Los Blancos.  After almost a decade in the shadow of Ronaldo, Benzema is now the leader of Real Madrid.

Now Benzema is competing in the Ballon d'Or against Kevin de Bruyne, Killian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah and Robert Lewandowski.  Interestingly, if Benzema can win the award, a clause in his contract will be reintroduced, due to which Benzema will receive a huge bonus from Real Madrid.  Meanwhile, in the latest talks, Real Madrid and Benzema also talked about a new agreement.  Real Madrid has a contract with Benzema until 2023.

However, both sides agreed to wait a few more months to see how much Benzema's body would allow him to play top-notch football.  Real Madrid believe that Benzema is the most deserving contender for the Ballon d'Or this year.  The Frenchman has never been on the Ballon d'Or podium.  His last achievement was finishing fourth behind Lionel Messi, Lewandowski and Jurginho in the last edition.

Real Madrid have a chance to win their 34th league title before taking to the field against Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League next week.  Benzema is the top scorer in La Liga this season with 25 goals.  Benzema is also the top scorer in European club football with 14 goals.  Benzema has scored 41 goals and 13 assists this season.

He also won the UEFA Nations League title for France.  Benzema is currently third in the race for the European Golden Boot behind Lewandowski and Chiro Immobil.

In the eyes of many, the Frenchman is now ahead of everyone else in the Ballon d'Or race due to his performances at the Spanish and European Games.  Only journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings will be able to vote in this year's Ballon d'Or, and individual performances will be taken into account.  Team achievements and sportsmanship will also be taken into account.

According to Le Equip, Benzema is also ahead.  Because, Real Madrid has been demanding recognition for this star for the last few years.  Benzema, meanwhile, will be the second-highest goalscorer in Real Madrid history, surpassing Raul Gonzalez (323) if he scores four more goals.

Ronaldo Nazario, Rio Ferdinand and Mesut Ozil believe Benzema is the best striker in the world.  Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says he discovered a different kind of Benzema when he returned to coach Real Madrid in his second term.  She sees him as much more mature, more responsible, and more motivated teammate for team success.