Karim Benzema has rejected claims comparing him to former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker claimed his maiden Ballon d'Or crown this week.
The two were part of a fearsome attacking front three across nine seasons in the Spanish capital between 2009 and 2018 – when Ronaldo left the Spanish capital. The two won four Champions League crowns together at the club, while Ronaldo scooped four Ballon d’Or titles in that time.
Earlier this year, former Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka, speaking to Mirror Football, tipped Benzema for the Ballon d'Or and explained the influence of Ronaldo’s exit on him: "The key moment for Karim was when Cristiano left. His body language can fool you when you do not know him, but I knew that he would replace Cristiano as the leader of that team. He has aged like a fine wine. His presence alone on the pitch is important for his teammates and he can win any individual award."
