Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema wins the Alfredo Di Stefano award for the Best Player in La Liga
After enjoying a stunning past year, the accolades continue to come Karim Benzema’s way as he has now won the Alfredo Di Stefano Award for the Best Player in La Liga at the MARCA Awards Gala for 2021/22.
Benzema enjoyed a spectacular 2021/22 campaign that saw him plunder 44 goals across all competitions, leading the charge for Real Madrid’s triumphs in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
The 34-year-old striker had already won the UEFA Best Player of the Year Award already and is the favourite to lift the Ballon d’Or in the coming month.
Now, he has also added the Alfredo Di Stefano Award to his cabinet, while also winning the Hyundai MVP Award as well as the Pichichi Trophy for being the top scorer in La Liga last season.
Talking after accepting the honours, Benzema said: “It’s a very important trophy for me. I want to thank my teammates. Every year it’s more difficult to win, but we’re strong.”
The French international also went on tip teammates Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes as possible contenders for the Pichichi award in the future, saying: “I see Vinicius and Rodrygo as Real Madrid’s next top scorers.”
Having been out injured over the past three weeks, Benzema returned to normal training earlier today and is now raring to get back on the field when Real Madrid face Osasuna at the weekend.
“I’m ready to play, I’m lucky to be able to play for the best club in the world,” he said. “Di Stefano always told me to believe in my dreams and to enjoy every moment at Real Madrid.”
On his most memorable goal from last season, Benzema said: “If it’s La Liga, I think the one from Sevilla was at the last minute and in the Champions League the ones from PSG, which was a magical night.”
On the objectives for the ongoing campaign, he added: “I feel very proud of my work. I think this year is going to be a difficult year, but with great enthusiasm, I always want to do more. I’m going to try to do more. Win LaLiga, score a lot of goals and most importantly for me, enjoy field”.
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.
