"100%, already at Benzema's garage" - Football fans react as Real Madrid superstar strengthens his Ballon d'Or claim with Champions League trophy
Football fans feel Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema has one hand on the 2022 Ballon d'Or after winning the Champions League title on Saturday, May 28.
Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in Paris to lift their 14th Champions League title, with Vinicius Junior the difference-maker for them on the night.
The Brazilian struck in the 59th minute to condemn the Reds to yet another defeat against the Spanish giants in Europe.
Benzema couldn't add to his tally of 15 goals in the competition last night, but it takes nothing away from the phenomenal campaign that he's had.
With 44 goals and 15 assists from 46 games this season and three titles in the bag, the Frenchman has made a strong case for winning the Ballon d'Or this year.
Fans, however, believe he deserves the trophy outright after last night's win.
Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were also in the running but their chances have surely diminished after the loss in the final.
PSG star Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich ace Robert Lewandowski have also posted impressive numbers but their shortcomings in Europe only leave them with an outside chance.
Benzema now has a firm hand on the Ballon d'Or tille, with his supporters claiming the Real Madrid star already has the award 'in his garage' and issuing congratulatory wishes in advance.
Here are some of the best Twitter reactions:
Who's ballon d'or winner of 2022?
For me 99% is Karim Benzema are u agree with me? https://t.co/7eZVSYCiF0
Congratulations to Real Madrid for a well deserved Champion League win over Liverpool.
You juts proved once again that the Champion League trophy is your elite trophy. No wonder no football club has won it like you.
Congratulations to Benzema for winning the next Ballon D'or. https://t.co/6yKpuqo4rm
ballon d'or @Benzema twitter.com/championsleagu…
Benzema really boutta win Ballon d'Or too. What a year for Madrid.
@MadridXtra Respect the opinion. It's just that, the ballon d'or is already at Benzema's garage. Next year for sure
Was pretty bad today, but cool that Benzema will win the Ballon d’Or 100% now. Incredible season and so deserved after a largely under-appreciated career.
Will be nice to see a lot more players win the Ballon d’Or after Messi/Ronaldo rightly prevented anyone else from winning.
Benzema ballon d'or more or less confirmed ig
🏿
@Benzema Clear Ballon D’Or winner 2022 @francefootball 🙏🏿🙏🏿🍾🍾 twitter.com/championsleagu…
🤲🏾
Patiently waiting for the Drip my Lawd @Benzema 😌🤲🏾
Or should I wait until we get the Ballon d'Or? 😏🔥
Benzema is now absolutely winning that ballon d'or
Always live when the applause is high, Clap for others you're time will come.
True definition of sportmanship
Benzema ballon d'or 2022 https://t.co/NeTSZK6vsf
King Karim Benzema 👑🐐
the owner of ballon d'or 2022 https://t.co/hAZwZQ8Nsw
Real Madrid star deserves the Ballon d'Or
Fans are not exaggerating - Benzema truly is a worthy Ballon d'Or winner right now. The Frenchman enjoyed the best campaign of his career and has stats to back his case for the prize.
His 44-goal haul includes a Golden Boot-winning 27 in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League, also the highest.
The 34-year-old's goalscoring brilliance played a key role in helping Real Madrid win both titles, often stepping up in the big moments too.
He's been the face of their spectacular campaign and a model of consistency. If there were any doubts over his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, they were effectively laid to rest last night.