Benzema on winning Balon D’or: “It would be one of the many dreams I had as a child”

In an interview with Canal + in France, which will be televised in full on Tuesday, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema spoke about his Balon D’or chances, among other things.

“Of course, of course,” Benzema said when asked about whether he dreams of winning the prestigious award. “My idols Ronaldo and Zizou came to Real Madrid.. I have come to Real Madrid and they also won the Golden Ball.”

When asked about his chances of winning, Benzema said “Right now, here I am, I’m not far off,”

He’s right. Benzema is as close to winning the award as he’s ever been. The shortlist, according French newspaper L’Equipe, is down to five players, and Benzema is one of them, along with Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho, and Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s likely that Benzema is ahead of both Jorginho and Ronaldo, and given the year he’s had — along with being the star that helped France win the UEFA Nations League — his chances aren’t too bad.