Karim Benzema is the clear favorite to win the Ballon d'Or after a strong season marked by high-flying exploits. The France international has a long list of accomplishments on his resume, including being the manager of a Real Madrid team that is on the verge of becoming Spain's champion. There are five in particular, which we've listed here.
1. Exceptional statistics
There is no photo, but this season's most talked-about player on the pitch is Karim Benzema. There isn't a match when the Real Madrid striker isn't decisive. It's simple this season: the Frenchman has played 38 games, scored 38 goals, and contributed 13 assists in all competitions.
In particular, 12 of his 38 goals came in the Champions League, with 7 of them coming in crucial matches. A Ballon d'Or winner is a leading player who scores in crucial circumstances, as Karim Benzema has done this season.
2. A record-breaking season
The French international has set numerous records in the 2021-2022 season. He surpassed Thierry Henry's 411 goals in all competitions to become the highest French scorer in club history.
With 317 goals in 597 official matches, he surpassed club icon Alfredo Di Stéfano to become Real Madrid's third highest scorer.
But that's not all: after scoring in extra time against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday, he became the top French scorer in a European Cup campaign. He has 12 goals on the clock, which puts him ahead of Olivier Giroud's 11 goals.
We may also mention that, with his 24 league goals this season, the number 9 has climbed into the top ten of La Liga's all-time scorers, coming in ninth, three goals behind Quini in eighth.
3. Real Madrid's undisputed leader
This season, no one can refute Real Madrid's Benzema-dependency. Even his manager and friend Casemiro couldn't help him. Karim Benzema is the most relied-upon player in Real Madrid's history. This season, the Frenchman has been involved in 80% of Real Madrid's Champions League goals.
He knew how to take on his obligations as a leader both on and off the field, and he knew how to lead an entire squad to victory.His importance is felt more acutely when he is not present.
4. Outstanding and decisive performances.
In the Champions League knockout rounds, he scored a hat-trick against Paris Saint-Germain (which allows his team to qualify). Another hat-trick in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Chelsea, and a goal in extra time in the second leg, ensuring his team's qualification once more.
In a nutshell, Benzema dominates Europe and its direct competitors. Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, no one has ever scored two hat-tricks in two consecutive Champions League games.
This season, the scoring has been vital, especially in key times. We can't ask for much more at this point. These performances will almost certainly be remembered by voters when the Ballon d'Or is awarded at the end of the season.
5. The treble is still up for grabs.
Everything is going well for the former Lyonnais on an individual level, as well as collectively. The Madrid striker has generated many points, synonymous with mattresses, ahead of his league competitors. He is currently first in La Liga with 12 points ahead of Barça.
Real Madrid should win the Spanish league this season unless something drastic happens. Add in the victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup last February, and two crowns are (nearly) certain.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, is still in the Champions League hunt before facing Manchester City in the competition's semi-final. The treble is still a possibility, and if it happens, the argument over the awarding of the 2022 Ballon d'Or will be over.
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