Karim Benzema Responds After Cristiano Ronaldo Picks Kylian Mbappe Over Him for Ballon d’Or
Karim Benzema has subtly responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising choice of Kylian Mbappe over him for the Ballon d’Or, sparking a buzz on social media. Ronaldo, who shared a glorious period with Benzema at Real Madrid, opted for Mbappe, Real Madrid’s new signing, when asked to choose between the two.
The Ronaldo and Benzema Era at Real Madrid
The Portuguese and French stars formed a dynamic partnership during their time at Real Madrid, clinching four Champions League titles together. This included their remarkable three-peat victories from 2015–16 to 2017–18. Despite joining Real Madrid in the same year, 2009, Benzema played much of his early career in Ronaldo’s shadow. However, after Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, Benzema came into his own, leading Real Madrid to further glory.
Ronaldo’s Bold Ballon d’Or Choice
In a recent interview on Ronaldo’s newly launched YouTube channel, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was asked by former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand to choose between Benzema and Kylian Mbappe. To the surprise of many fans, Ronaldo chose Mbappe over Benzema, despite the years they shared at Real Madrid.
This decision left fans shocked, as Ronaldo and Benzema were thought to share a strong bond from their time dominating Europe with Los Blancos.
Benzema’s Subtle Response
In response, Benzema posted a picture of himself holding the 2022 Ballon d’Or trophy on his Instagram story, a subtle yet pointed reminder of his accomplishments. Benzema, who played a key role in Real Madrid’s 2021-22 Champions League triumph, also bagged the prestigious award that year, cementing his place as one of the world’s top players.
Benzema on Pressure and Ambition
Benzema recently opened up about the pressures of professional football and how it fuels his drive to succeed. He emphasized that the pressure he has felt since childhood has transformed into ambition. He noted that his focus for the upcoming season is to help his team perform at the highest level.
In an interview, Benzema said, “I’ve felt this pressure since I was eight years old, but over time it has turned into ambition. I don’t view it as pressure anymore but as a driving force. My goal is to help my team win, with the support of my teammates because football is a team sport.”
The Fan Factor
Benzema also spoke about the role of fans, highlighting how their support pushes players to perform better. He believes that the fans are like the twelfth man on the field, adding, “Here, the fans are fantastic. This season, I’m sure they will be proud of us.”
Conclusion
While Ronaldo’s choice of Mbappe over Benzema may have shocked many, it’s clear that Benzema’s response is both measured and confident. As one of the world’s top players, Benzema continues to lead with his talent and passion for the game, proving that his legacy at Real Madrid remains untarnished.
For more on Ronaldo’s bold claim about why Real Madrid is the best club in UCL history, check out this article.
