Karim Benzema Opens Up About Real Madrid Departure and Reveals TOP Ballon d'Or Contender

Karim Benzema is unquestionably one of the most exceptional forwards of his period, demonstrating his skills in his tenure with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema is widely recognised as one of the most exceptional players globally. His remarkable abilities and accomplishments have established him as a TOP CLASS FOOTBALL LEGEND after he won the Ballon d'Or in 2022. 

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Karim Benzema opines on his Real Madrid exit and names the TOP contender for the Ballon d’Or 2024

Karim Benzema insists he regret nothing about leaving Real Madrid last summer. Following an outstanding 2022/23 season in which he scored 31 goals across all competitions, Benzema decided not to extend his contract and made an unexpected move to Saudi Arabia, starting a pattern of well-publicized Middle Eastern signings.

The 36-year-old Benzema is adamant that leaving was the correct decision even if Real Madrid is recovering from the La Liga championship and winning the Champions League in his absence. Speaking to MARCA, Karim Benzema said: 

“Some come and others go,”

"It's like that and it will always happen. It was the right moment.

"Of course I look back and feel happy. Last season, they gave a sensation of power, of good football and that's why they won the Champions League and La Liga. Today, I don't see any other team that can be better than Real Madrid.

"A spectacular season, very good. Real Madrid is always the best team in the world. Players come and go, but Real Madrid will always be at the top, at the very top. They are the best and will continue to prove it.

They are the best team in the world. They're always strong and fighting for everything. I stand there, look around and don't see any team that's capable of being better."

The exceptional performance of Real Madrid's players at the club level has established them as strong contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or. Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are expected to be formidable contenders, while there is growing backing for right-back Dani Carvajal, who played a pivotal part in leading Spain to victory in Euro 2024. However, Karim Benzema unequivocally identifies one victor.  He added:

 "I'm going to say Vini because he deserves it for his season and not just for what he's done this year, but also for what he did last year, he was also above the rest with his football and what he does with the ball," the Frenchman said. "He's a kid, a complete footballer.

"He can win a game on his own, of course with the help of his teammates, but he is very good when Real Madrid needs him and that is why I think he deserves it. He is always there and he always shows up. For all of that, my favourite is Vini."

Karim Benzema will now be seen in action for Al-Ittihad during the pre-season. The Saudi Pro League season will start on August 22, 2024.