Real Madrid News
Official: Karim Benzema wins the Ballon d’Or
While Lionel Messi shocked the footballing world by marginally beating Robert Lewandowski for the Ballon d’Or title last year, the Argentine’s hegemony is about to come to an end as Karim Benzema has been crowned as the Ballon d’Or winner this year.
KARIM BENZEMA IS THE 2022 BALLON D’OR! ✨@Benzema@realmadrid#ballondor pic.twitter.com/TXLkHJIhJM
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) October 17, 2022
The Real Madrid forward beats Lewandowski to win the 2022 edition of the prestigious award, becoming only the second player after teammate Luka Modric to win the trophy since 2010.
Benzema’s triumph comes in the aftermath of an excellent 2021/22 campaign that saw him bag 44 goals in all competitions. 15 of his goals came in the UEFA Champions League, as he helped Real Madrid secure the coveted trophy for a record 14th time.
Benzema’s 27 goals were also crucial in helping Los Blancos clinch the title from the hands of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.
The Frenchman’s success also represents Real Madrid’s successful transition following the departure of old guards such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
The way the attacker has stepped up to the plate in recent years has been critical in helping the club go through this transitional phase.
Earlier today, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke openly about the rumours linking him to the vacant Brazil national team job.
The Italian tactician has emerged as the top target for the Selecao to succeed Tite, who was let go of after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The president of the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, has made it clear that Ancelotti is the preferred candidate for the job.
Reacting to the same, Ancelotti, during his press conference today, said: “The reality is that the Brazilian national team wants me and I love it and I’m very excited about it, but then I have to respect the contract I have and I want to fulfil it.”
“I’m not surprised that there are these rumours. It doesn’t affect me, it doesn’t worry me. I’m just focused on fulfilling my duties with this club and with this team. I’m still here until Real Madrid allow me to stay.”
While the 63-year-old might be saying that he wishes to fulfil his contract at Real Madrid, which expires in 2024, he did not shy away from stating that he was happy about Brazil’s interest in him.
And now, Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Zone) is reporting that the Selecao are ready to wait until June to go ahead with the appointment of Ancelotti.
While the Italian tactician remains in control at this point at Real Madrid, things could change drastically over the next couple of months.
The La Liga title looks already out of the Merengues’ hands while they are also trailing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final. If they fail to go all the way in the UEFA Champions League as well, Florentino Perez could decide to make some changes, starting with Ancelotti.
Hence, Brazil are happy to wait patiently until June and see how the situation is at that point and whether Ancelotti is available. With no major matches coming up for the Selecao until September, they can afford to wait as well.
