London, Europe Brief News – Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for the first time in his career.
Benzema becomes the first French player to win the trophy since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.
The prize came after his pivotal role in Real’s run to the Champions League title last season.
Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 matches last season for Real Madrid, who won Spanish LaLiga title and the UEFA Champions League.
“I’m really proud. It’s a lot of work and a kid’s dream come true,” Benzema said as he received the award during a ceremony in Paris on Monday.
“There were much more difficult moments for me. When I was not selected [with France] and I did not give up,” Benzema said after Zidane, his former coach at Madrid, handed him the trophy.
“I am really proud of my career. This is the Golden Ball of the people.”
Awarded by France Football magazine, the prize has been given out to men for 66 years. But, it was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time this year, the Ballon d’Or was based on achievements from the past season.
It had previously been awarded based on performances throughout calendar years.
