‘Benzema won it’ – Henry says ‘close the votes’, as Fabregas backs Real teammate for Ballon d’Or

Cesc Fabregas believes Thibaut Courtois deserves to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.

Los Blancos claimed their 14th Champions League title with a 1-0 win against Liverpool on Saturday night.

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Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of the game but Madrid would not have reached the final if it wasn’t for Benzema.

The Frenchman scored 15 goals in the competition and had a strike controversially ruled out for offside in the final.

He has been the front runner to win this year’s Ballon d’Or for some time, with many believing that his Champions League success makes him a shoo-in for the award.

Speaking after the match, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said it is time to “close the votes”. He told CBS Sports (quotes via Metro): “I just wanted to say something to France Football or whoever is voting [on the Ballon d’Or]: Close the votes, Benzema won it. Bye.”

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