“This is a childhood dream. Zidane and Ronaldo were my idols.” Benzema on Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema said that it was his childhood dream to win the Ballon d’Or and also expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches and family.

On Monday, Benzema received the Ballon d’Or award given to the best player of the season by France Football magazine. The award ceremony took place in Paris.

– I am proud that this is happening before my eyes, I remember all the work that I have done since childhood. I was always motivated because I had two idols in front of me – Zidane and Ronaldo. He worked, did not give up and strived for more, always kept this dream in his head.

I had difficult moments, including the period when I did not play in the national team. I did not give up and worked, keeping the joy of playing football with my coach (Zidane). These difficult periods strengthened me psychologically. I thank my teammates at Real Madrid and the national team, my great President Florentino Perez, he is like a family member to me. I am grateful to my family, because we are all together. This is the people’s Golden Ball.

It was a childhood dream. I think that all the players have it in their heads. It’s hard to just go and win it,” Benzema said.

Last season, Benzema, together with Real Madrid, won the Spanish Championship, the Super Cup of the country and the Champions League, becoming the top scorer of the tournament with 15 goals. In total, the 34-year-old Frenchman scored 44 goals in 46 meetings last season.