Zinedine Zidane gives verdict on Ballon d’Or race amid Lionel Messi comparison
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Zinedine Zidane says Karim Benzema should win this year’s Ballon d’Or, despite Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi being heavy favourite to land the individual trophy for an incredible seventh time. Benzema has been in sensational form for Real Madrid in 2020, racking-up 24 league goals so far this calendar year.
The forward continued his impressive scoring form during the international break as he hit two goals in two matches to help France win the UEFA Nations League last weekend.
He found the back of the net four times during Euro 2020, but couldn’t help his country get past the first knockout round as France were defeated by Switzerland on penalties.
Benzema finished second top scorer in La Liga last season, behind Messi, and has carried his good form into the current campaign.
The 33-year-old has found the back of the net nine times in Real’s opening eight La Liga matches and also notched during his side’s shock Champions League loss to Sheriff Tiraspol last month.
“Benzema deserves the Ballon d’Or,” Zidane told Telefoot on Sunday morning.
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“He’s an incredible player – I’ve had the great honour of managing him.
“He can do it all on a pitch. He’s a cut above – and I hope he’ll be rewarded for it with this Ballon d’Or.”
Zidane’s words come after his compatriot Frank LeBoeuf had claimed Messi shouldn’t win the honour due to his red card in the Spanish Super Cup final earlier this year – pointing to Zidane as an example of fair play costing him the award for the same reason in 2000.
Zidane, himself, won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 after starring for France on their way to World Cup glory.
The 49-year-old famously scored two thumping headers in the final as Les Bleus defeated Brazil 3-0.
But the former playmaker missed out on winning the trophy for a second time in 2000, when he finished second to Portugal midfielder Luis Figo.
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Zidane managed Benzema during two spells as Real Madrid boss and has always held the forward in high regard.
Benzema started all of his team’s Champions League finals between 2016 and 2018 as Zidane led Los Blancos to three European titles in a row during his first spell in charge.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also given his backing to Benzema to win the illustrious award next month.
“There are no untouchables this year,” Wenger said. “In his individual performances and consistency, Benzema is at a top level.
“The question is, does the weight of trophies play a decisive role?”
And Benzema has also been praised by his international captain Hugo Lloris.
“Benzema leads by example – in terms of what he does on the pitch and his statistics,” said the Tottenham keeper. “He deserves all the credit that he’s getting.”
This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in Paris on November 29.
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