Jofre Mateu has selected Real Madrid star Karim Benzema as a potential winner of this year's Ballon d'Or.
The former Barcelona midfielder was also given the option to select from Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne and Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah for the prestigious award. However, Mateu decided to go with the French forward instead.
Benzema has been one of the main reasons for Real Madrid's success this season and his hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea are one of the reasons why Los Blancos find themselves in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The 34-year-old striker's exploits this season haven't gone unnoticed, with many fans and pundits claiming he should win this year's Ballon d'Or.
During a recent interaction with the media, Mateu also agreed to this and explained why Benzema should win the prestigious award.
The former Barcelona midfielder said that without the Frenchman in the team, Madrid would look like a completely different outfit. He also praised Benzema for the responsibility and work rate produced this season.
"Between these players now for me Karim Benzema is the one. You know the stats, the numbers, how is it that he's the only man in his team. The other players are important in their teams as well. But when Benzema is not in the XI, Real Madrid is a completely different team and I think City and Liverpool has other chances."
"So, I think Real Madrid, a huge club depending in such a huge percentage on one player and how fit he is. The responsibility he's showing, how he works for his teammates and if he achieves the title, La Liga is going to be Real Madrid's, if there's a chance to win the UCL for Real Madrid, then without a doubt Benzema will be the Ballon d'Or (winner)."
"If not, we can probably discuss it and probably Sadio Mane, AFCON with the national team and it's probably going to depend on the PL and then the UCL, for me Benzema first and then Sadio Mane," said Mateu.
Former Real Madrid teammate Mesut Ozil also believes that Karim Benzema should win the Ballon d'Or
After scoring a brace against Manchester City in their 4-3 Champions League semi-final first leg loss, Benzema received praise from all corners.
He was also able to excite his former Madrid teammate Mesut Ozil, who said that the Frenchman deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.
With 14 goals in the Champions League, Los Blancos will be hoping that their talismanic Frenchman can inspire them to make another comeback in the semi-final second leg and help them reach the final of the competition.
Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Semi-Final Leg 1) - Liverpool vs. Villarreal LIVE on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 4th May 2022, at 12:30 am IST.
Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Semi-Final Leg 1) - Man. City vs. Real Madrid LIVE on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 5th April 2022, at 12:30 am IST.
zikeiknpu
1
Good short
Gozzy20
0
Sadie mane is not even better than Vinicius jr this season and you are comparing him to benzema on ballon dor bases. Mane can compete with Vinicius for the award and not benzema. Mane has Been great this month but benzema has been on fire 🔥 since the start of the season. 💯 ballon Dor win 🏆 = Big KB9
[image]
when modric won ballon d'or how many assist or goals did he get that season
dosui
0
I dare you. Prove me wrong.
he can't
Makceilstu
0
Who is Jofre ? 🤪
because
Makceilstu
0
Compare manes Senegal team to salah’s egypt team. Btw we still beat team in our game for the two legs.
else
Makceilstu
0
Compare manes Senegal team to salah’s egypt team. Btw we still beat team in our game for the two legs.
Education
Makceilstu
1
Hello
huneiklnpt
0
De bruyne or salah
Kinkush
0
That won't hinder Big Benz's chance. Benz has 14 goals to his credit in Champions league. Salah has 8 goals. Maneh is nowhere close to top goals scorer.. Salah needs 7 goals to surpass Benzema, which is not possible. Reaching the final is just one of the attributes.
Ballon d'Or is not base on goals but trophies If you don't know
Bamzyk2
1
Big Benz without an argument
assubaba
0
KDB? Even Mane deserves it before him
Do you even know football d*¥ckhead?🤔
迪普。
0
International trophy for this season, has Vini won an international trophy this season?
You know pretty well whom I am taking of. I go ahead and get the message clear for you "Mane doesn't even compare to Vinicius in terms of stats. Forget Benzema, "
Cody01
0
They both got 1 international trophy each. Though its Benema's trophy that matter more due to rank of countries involved.
International trophy for this season, has Vini won an international trophy this season?
mujeeb999
1
Big Benz ooo yeah he will got it
Cohdekl
0
is just because of mane is an African that's why if not all of those southing benzema will not they will saying mane mane, let speak the truth where did benzema better than mane in this season tell me how many cups did mane wine and how much is he chasing again.
Salty Liverpool fan😂
dahbisz
1
Compare manes Senegal team to salah’s egypt team. Btw we still beat team in our game for the two legs.
bepbclmyz
1
mo Salah is more deserving...
Redabim
0
benzema is african too
but he naturalized for France so he's not an African
pukbmrsyz
0
is just because of mane is an African that's why if not all of those southing benzema will not they will saying mane mane, let speak the truth where did benzema better than mane in this season tell me how many cups did mane wine and how much is he chasing again.
benzema is african too
Vebbdilmz
2
KDB? Even Mane deserves it before him
Ameerul24
0
bias, Salah has done more than all mentioned
salah😂☠
Redabim
1
is just because of mane is an African that's why if not all of those southing benzema will not they will saying mane mane, let speak the truth where did benzema better than mane in this season tell me how many cups did mane wine and how much is he chasing again.
You don't watch football Benzema won international nation cup, Super cup and Laliga he is now top scorer in Champions league with 14 goals and top scorer in Laliga 25 now 14 assis how can you compare Mane to Benzema??
Tohmpsyz
1
is just because of mane is an African that's why if not all of those southing benzema will not they will saying mane mane, let speak the truth where did benzema better than mane in this season tell me how many cups did mane wine and how much is he chasing again.
speak your tribe
jaobdeuz
0
Who is Jofre ? 🤪
tekbdeiknz
1
is just because of mane is an African that's why if not all of those southing benzema will not they will saying mane mane, let speak the truth where did benzema better than mane in this season tell me how many cups did mane wine and how much is he chasing again.
soldierzway
0
Benzema first second Mane or Mane first Benzema second. I agree coz if Liverpool win it all he has to win it
迪普。
1
You’re delusional
I dare you. Prove me wrong.
Footballanalyst23
0
Mane is not even in the competition. Go see his numbers. It's comical when you include him. Even if you say Salah, it makes some sense. Seriously, Stop Sympathizing some just because of his color. He also needs to earn it. Like Pele at a different time.
You’re delusional
迪普。
1
Maybe he is ahead of him because of the international trophy he won
They both got 1 international trophy each. Though its Benema's trophy that matter more due to rank of countries involved.
迪普。
0
Simple: trophies 🏆 African cup of nations, Carling cup, possible champions league, league cup and FA cup, that's why I said I wish Man City beat Madrid. if Man City beat Madrid in the semi final, on what ground should Bezeman or Vinicious win it?
So Mane has 3 league level trophies to Benzo's 2. They both have 1 international titles each. Though it's Benzema's which matter more due to rank of the countries participating in it. Now come to individual performance. Let's start what are Mane's numbers over League and Europe? You start.
Jewcknops
1
bias, Salah has done more than all mentioned
standard123
1
Simple: trophies 🏆 African cup of nations, Carling cup, possible champions league, league cup and FA cup, that's why I said I wish Man City beat Madrid. if Man City beat Madrid in the semi final, on what ground should Bezeman or Vinicious win it?
benzema has 2 trophies and d best individual performance this season
Bigger_mose
1
Sadie mane is not even better than Vinicius jr this season and you are comparing him to benzema on ballon dor bases. Mane can compete with Vinicius for the award and not benzema. Mane has Been great this month but benzema has been on fire 🔥 since the start of the season. 💯 ballon Dor win 🏆 = Big KB9
[image]
Maybe he is ahead of him because of the international trophy he won
dosui
2
Benzema his leading right now but Mane a real threat
mane 😂
Tukbemtz
1
no doubt
bestb2095
0
So tell me on what basis Mane should be considered??
Simple: trophies 🏆 African cup of nations, Carling cup, possible champions league, league cup and FA cup, that's why I said I wish Man City beat Madrid. if Man City beat Madrid in the semi final, on what ground should Bezeman or Vinicious win it?
迪普。
2
if you are a coach and I ask you to pick mané and vini who would you go for??
Vini anyday. But that doesn't matter. Tell me why he deserves the Ballon d'or? Tell me what has he achieved this season?
Jesmin_Juli
2
Right choice
Gozzy20
0
Sadie mane is not even better than Vinicius jr this season and you are comparing him to benzema on ballon dor bases. Mane can compete with Vinicius for the award and not benzema. Mane has Been great this month but benzema has been on fire 🔥 since the start of the season. 💯 ballon Dor win 🏆 = Big KB9
[image]
if you are a coach and I ask you to pick mané and vini who would you go for??
迪普。
2
Sadie mane is not even better than Vinicius jr this season and you are comparing him to benzema on ballon dor bases. Mane can compete with Vinicius for the award and not benzema. Mane has Been great this month but benzema has been on fire 🔥 since the start of the season. 💯 ballon Dor win 🏆 = Big KB9
[image]
I didn't see one Liverpool player say why Mane deserves the award.
Kuelpsuyz
3
salah
迪普。
1
mane must win it otherwise the football must not fair
Tell me on what basis??
迪普。
1
mane must win it otherwise the football must not fair
On what basis should Mane be favorite? Skin color? Then rather give it to Vinicius. He got better numbers/contribution.
迪普。
1
I just wish S. Mane win it. that means I wish Man City to the final, that will hinder B9 chance to winning the award
So tell me on what basis Mane should be considered??
迪普。
1
I just wish S. Mane win it. that means I wish Man City to the final, that will hinder B9 chance to winning the award
Did you see Mane's numbers?? He got 1 more goal in UCl than Vinicius. While has 6 more assists than him. Even in the league his number of goals is exactly same to Vinicius, with Vini having 6 more assists than him. He doesn't even compare to Vinicius and you are comparing him to Benzo!. Now I know Mane won Afcon but when it will come to Benzo he won Uefa nations league in October 2021, which is within range of Ballon dor 2022(August 2021- July 2022). +Benzema is the top scorer of La Liga, leasing by over 10 goals to No. 2. +Benzema is the top scorer in UCL. + We have already won 2 trophies this season and still in the 3rd( UCL). + Benzema is the 4th most goal scorer in UCL, only 1 goal short to Lewandowski. Unlike Lewa Benzo us still in UCL. ( Only honor Benzo is far away from this season is the Golden Boot, which lewa is leading in)
poycdknou
1
Royal will wing 4 goal
sihclmpst
6
Sadie mane is not even better than Vinicius jr this season and you are comparing him to benzema on ballon dor bases. Mane can compete with Vinicius for the award and not benzema. Mane has Been great this month but benzema has been on fire 🔥 since the start of the season. 💯 ballon Dor win 🏆 = Big KB9
迪普。
1
Benzema his leading right now but Mane a real threat
Mane is not even in the competition. Go see his numbers. It's comical when you include him. Even if you say Salah, it makes some sense. Seriously, Stop Sympathizing some just because of his color. He also needs to earn it. Like Pele at a different time.
迪普。
0
He deserve it also 🏆🏆🏆🥇
[image]
Nope.
cebcdesuyz
0
mane must win it otherwise the football must not fair