Karim Benzema is now the clear favourite for the 2022 Ballon d’Or
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On Tuesday night, Karim Benzema reminded everyone of his phenomenal quality with yet another standout performance in the UEFA Champions League.
Although Real Madrid suffered a crazy 4-3 loss against Manchester City in the first leg of their semi-final showdown, Benzema managed to grab the headlines once again.
After netting a measured left-footed volley, the 34-year-old Frenchman scored a nerveless Panenka penalty – completing a memorable brace at the Etihad Stadium.
Few would argue that Benzema is not enjoying the best season of his career. If the bookmakers’ latest 2022 Ballon d’Or odds are anything to go by, then he already has one hand on the illustrious award.
LATEST 2022 BALLON D’OR ODDS
- Karim Benzema (1.53)
- Mohamed Salah (7.50)
- Kevin De Bruyne (7.50)
- Kylian Mbappe (13.00)
- Robert Lewandowski (15.00)
- Lionel Messi (21.00)
So, why is Benzema the clear favourite to win the Ballon d’Or? Well, you only have to glance at his outrageous numbers to understand why.
The lethal Real Madrid striker has bagged 41 goals and 16 assists in 41 games across all competitions this season. Not only is he averaging a goal a game, but he is also averaging 1.3 goal involvements per game.
Having scored 25 goals in 29 La Liga outings, he is on course to clinch the Spanish Golden Boot. On top of that, his goals have all but wrapped up the La Liga title for Los Blancos.
Benzema’s Champions League record is equally – if not more – impressive. In ten UCL appearances this season, he has scored a whopping 14 goals.
After netting five goals in five group games, he notched back-to-back hat-tricks against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, respectively.
Thanks to Tuesday’s brace against Man City, he has scored a remarkable nine goals across the past four Champions League games.
There was a time earlier in the season when it looked as though Mohamed Salah was in pole position to win the Ballon d’Or. However, Benzema has overtaken the Salah in recent months.
Of course, you can’t write off the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. But they are nowhere near Benzema at the moment.
Benzema is currently priced at 1.53 to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or. If he fires Real Madrid to Champions League glory, his odds will become even shorter.
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