Become The Second Leading Player To Qualify Ballon D'Or, Real Madrid Captain Benzema: Age Only Figures

Real Madrid player, Karim Benzema. (Photo: Twitter/@realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema has been named the best player in the 2022 Ballon d'Or. Benzema won this title at the age of 34 years.

Benzema is listed as the second oldest footballer to win the Ballon d'Or. The status of the oldest Ballon d'Or winner is still held by British football legend Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the Ballon d'Or at the age of 41 in 1956.

Despite receiving awards at a young age, Benzema actually interpreted it as a positive thing. This moment is considered as proof that age does not weaken his spirit.

''Umur is just a number. I still continue to play and have passion,' said Benzema.

"This is one of the motivations to keep going and not give up. Awards like this are what keeps dreams alive," he continued as quoted by Eurosports.

The Ballon d'Or award is Benzema's first time after being nominated nine times. Not only that, he was also listed as the fifth French player to win one of the most prestigious individual titles on the professional football stage.

With the success of winning the 2022 Ballon d'Or, Benzema was able to follow in the footsteps of Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, and Zinedine Zidane.

Successfully bringing home the Ballon d'Or award for the first time since starting his work as a professional footballer in 2004.

Benzema is at the top of the list. The Real Madrid striker outperformed Sadio Mane, Kevin De Bruyne, and Robert Lewandowski.

This award was brought by Benzema thanks to the proof of an impressive performance. Over the past season, Benzema successfully scored 44 goals and 12 assists from 46 appearances in all competitions.

Last season's La Liga top scorer was able to be signed by Benzema after ending La Liga with a collection of 27 goals. Not only that, he completed the individual's achievement by presenting the title of La Liga and Champions League trophy for El Real.