Mesut Ozil has led the tributes to Karim Benzema after the Real Madrid forward was finally confirmed as this year's Ballon d'Or winner.
The France international, 34, was widely expected to receive the prestigious honour after scoring 44 goals in 46 appearances for Real last season. His talismanic form helped Carlo Ancelotti's side win the LaLiga title, Champions League and Supercopa de Espana.
Benzema also ended his five-and-a-half-year international exile to inspire France to glory in the Nations League, scoring in the 2-1 win against Spain in the final last October. It's the first time he's won the Ballon d'Or after being nominated on nine previous occasions.
