Karim Benzema gave a lengthy interview to France Football after winning the Ballon d'Or in which he discussed his difficult journey to the trophy and his feelings upon receiving it. Karim Benzema of Real Madrid received the Ballon d'Or, France Football's prize for the greatest male player during the 2021–2022 season, last week at a ceremony in Paris. As the Ballon d'Or award transitions from an annual cycle to a seasonal one, Benzema replaces Lionel Messi, who earned his seventh trophy last season.
What emotions do you experience when you see the Ballon d'Or?
You like it. And it likes you. It’s like its even giving you the eye…It was just meant to be. It’s something that represents my life, my career, my story. I couldn’t see myself stopping playing football without it. I had to go and get it. I wanted it and I did everything I could to get it, but it wasn’t an obsession, something in my head that drove me crazy. I had to figure out how to do it, I had to get closer, I had to get closer, and “”, I had to get it. You have the Ballon d’Or, you have made history in your sport. And I play football to leave something behind, even if it’s just an action, an emotion.
Who did you talk to about the Ballon d’Or?My mother. It was her dream for me. She always told me: “You’re the best, you’re going to win it. It was special, she was convinced, persuaded. It wasn’t long discussions but she had her words. When I was preparing for a new season, when I was talking to my parents, my brother…, my mother said to me: “I hope you still have the Ballon d’Or in your head.