'No other name for the Ballon d'Or' - Karim Benzema backed for award by Real Madrid legend Jorge Valdano

Karim Benzema has been backed to take home the Ballon d'Or by Real Madrid legend Jorge Valdano. Benzema is widely expected to win the coveted award after a stunning 2021/22 season which saw him score 44 goals in 46 appearances for Real Madrid, a haul which helped his club land a La Liga-Champions League double.

Ad And Valdano, an ex-Madrid player as well as executive, can't see past the prolific French forward for what is generally accepted to be the game's highest individual honour. Champions LeagueHow to watch Real Madrid v Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League7 HOURS AGO Speaking to MARCA Radio, Valdano said: “There is no other name for the Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary season.

«He [Benzema] played football of exceptional quality and he has added goals and leadership. »He who is intelligent evolves in all aspects and he is the best example." Messi to return to Barcelona as free agent next summer — report 'We will see' — Xavi does not rule out Messi returning to Barcelona Valdano also had his say on Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who was a target for Real Madrid before his move to England, where he has begun the season in outstanding goalscoring form.

“He is my favourite at the moment, there is no game in which he fails," Valdano said. «In football there are debatable issues, but goals are not debatable and he never fails.

»He is a cyclone in games and I would have really liked to see him in a Real Madrid shirt." Despite not having Haaland in their ranks, Real Madrid will be looking to win the Champions League for a remarkable sixth time in ten seasons in 2022/23, and Valdano hit back at those seeking to suggest the league is a fairer competition than the European Cup. He said: “That has always been said,