Real Madrid’s Benzema reveals Ballon d’Or nightmares

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has revealed that he thinks about winning the Ballon d’Or ‘all the time’.

Despite enjoying a successful career, Benzema has yet to win the prestigious prize, which has largely been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years, with Luka Modric the only other player to win it since 2008.

Benzema stressed that he is always seeking to be the best but won’t drive himself crazy over the award.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Benzema said: ‘Sure, all the time, from my childhood, but it’s not something that drives me crazy. You always think of the Ballon d’Or when you are a professional footballer and when you are competitive.

‘I never try to define myself by my playing position, as a number nine or not a number nine, as 10 or 11; I am a football player and I try to be the best player in the world.’

There won’t be a winner this year, with the award having been called due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Benzema has enjoyed an excellent season – he has scored 26 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.

The Frenchman helped Real to win the LaLiga title, and there could be further silverware to come as Zinedine Zidane’s side go for glory in the Champions League.

However, Real have work to do if they are to progress to the quarter-finals as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Manchester City in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

The sides will do battle again at the Etihad Stadium on August 7.

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The Ballon d’Or was cancelled this year no thanks to the ravaging effect of the coronavirus.  The prestigious award in recent time appears to have become the exclusive of perennial rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with eleven titles between them. The Barcelona forward has won the gong six times while Juve’s Ronaldo has clinched it five times.