French international Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid to another trophy in the early stages of the 2022/23 season, as the Spanish and European champions won the UEFA Super Cup, beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0.
Benzema scored the second goal in the game against the Europa League winners, ensuring the silverware went the way of the La Liga club. It was his first competitive game of the campaign, and it looked as though the 34-year-old picked up from where he left off last season.
The Real Madrid man is now as short as -3300 in the football odds for the Ballon d’Or Award. He has been a nominee on nine occasions, but he has yet to get his hands on the trophy, which has been claimed mostly by either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo over the last two decades.
The biggest challenger to Benzema could be Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. The Egypt international won the PFA Player of the Year last season and his side is currently priced at odds of +320 in the Premier League title odds this season. If he helps the 2019/20 winners get off to a fast start, it will strengthen his claims for the prize.
Phenomenal Goal Return Last Season
Not only was last season a big year for Benzema in terms of team triumphs, but on an individual note, it was also the best campaign of his career. He scored 44 goals, which included 27 goals in La Liga and 15 goals in the Champions League, both of which were the highest returns in the respective competitions.
Benzema was a big part of his side’s victory in the Champions League. He scored goals at crucial moments in the knockout stages, most notably against Chelsea which Real Madrid won 5-4 after extra-time.
The striker recently became Real Madrid’s second all-time goalscorer, overtaking club legend Raul. He is also ahead of the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Santillana, and Ferenc Puskas on that list.
Benzema Set to Feature at World Cup in Qatar
This year’s World Cup in Qatar is a chance for Benzema to shine on the big stage again. The Real striker is set to appear in the tournament for the first time since 2014.
The Frenchman has only played at one World Cup so far in his career. He scored three times in the group stages in Brazil. France was beaten by Germany in the quarter-finals.
Benzema was left out of the France squad, which won the tournament in Russia in 2018. He did return to the national team for the European Championship in 2021. His performances for Les Bleus justified manager Didier Deschamps’ decision to recall him, as he found the back of the net four times across the four games he featured.
Along with Brazil and England, France is one of the teams at the top end of the betting for the World Cup later this year. If Benzema can lead his country to the trophy, it would add another chapter to his incredible legacy.
Both Real Madrid and France will be hoping Benzema continues to remain in the form he is in for as long as possible. Although he is at the back end of his career, there are no signs he is slowing down or that he is close to retirement.
