The 2022 Ballon d'Or Karim Benzema spoke to Realmadrid TV after collecting his award in Paris. He becomes the second oldest player to win this trophy and of course one of the legends that will go down in history and never be forgotten because of what he has brought to the world of football and Real Madrid. With too many individual and squad trophies in his cabinet, Benzema remains humble and very thankful but also happy and proud. The Real Madrid captain commented:
"It's something I've dreamt of since I was a child, I'm so proud to have won this Ballon d'Or. I want to thank everyone at Madrid: the players, without whom this would be impossibe, the fans for always supporting me to give my all on the pitch, and the president too. When I joined Madrid, I was 21 and those early months were tough, but I always had this Ballon d'Or in my mind. I'm so happy and very proud of my work”.
"When I turned 30, I had this ambition in my mind and it meant working harder and being a leader within the team. I'm fortunate enough to play for Madrid, the greatest club in the world. I'm so happy and proud of my work”.
Ballon d'Or for the people: "I call it the Ballon d'Or for the people because they've played their part by showing me their support. That's why I want to share this trophy with them. I like to share in life and they too deserve it. They've always been there to help and motivate me”.
Demands at club: "Real Madrid are the greatest club in the world, but you have to perform out on the pitch to win this trophy. I've got great respect for Florentino because he's always backed me during the tough times. He came to my house to sign me and he always told me that I'd win the Ballon d'Or and that makes me happy”.
“I enjoyed what I have and the most important thing is the hard work to get this far. It’s now time to enjoy it and keep my performance levels up. I’m not now thinking about being here next year. I know that if I win things with my teammates, anything can happy, but today I just want to enjoy myself and reflect on all of the hard work”.
Advice for children: “I’d tell children to be focused on football, keep following their dreams, play football with a smile and to play because football is the most important thing in my life. I’d tell them to enjoy themselves whilst they play”.
Mum’s support: “I’ve told my mum that I’d win the Ballon d’Or so many times. That’s why I’m so happy to have enjoyed it with her here tonight. I can’t put the love I feel for my mum into words. This one is for here”.
Role models: “The fact that I’m a footballer owes to my two idols: Ronaldo and Zidane. They’ve both won it and it’s special. That Zidane presented me with it is another special thing for me”.
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