Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema leads current Ballon d’Or ranking, Modric and Vinicius in top ten

Karim Benzema has been otherwordly for Real Madrid this season, carrying the team through even on their worst nights. It is no coincidence that Los Blancos‘ poorest results have come in the Frenchman’s absence.
To score two hattricks in consecutive games is no small feat. To do it against sides with the quality of Paris-Saint Germain and Chelsea requires something very special.
According to GOAL‘s power rankings, Benzema is now the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or. He is placed at the top of the current rankings, ahead of the likes of Mohammed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, and Robert Lewandowski.
The veteran striker has 24 goals and 11 assists in just 27 league games this season. In the Champions League, he has scored 11 goals and provided one assist in just eight games.
Needless to say, Benzema is one of the best players in the world right now. His rise began after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid, and the world is now witnessing his peak.
Three Real Madrid players feature in the top ten of the Ballon d’Or rankings. While Benzema is first, Luka Modric stands at fifth and Vinicius Jr at eighth position.
Moreover, two Real Madrid targets, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland sit at fourth and 20th respectively.
Needless to say, Carlo Ancelotti will be counting on Benzema to strike again when Los Blancos take on Chelsea tonight. The game at the Bernabeu will determine who progresses to the semifinals of the prestigious event.

Real Madrid News
Nacho set to stay at Real Madrid, will be new club captain – report

Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.