Karim Benzema is not taking Ronaldo’s “best player” comments too lightly.
In a YouTube interview between Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano, Ronaldo promptly selected Mbappe over Benzema in a “better player” challenge.
Ronaldo’s selection irked former teammate Karim Benzema. The two played 342 matches together over nine seasons at Real Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
Media and fans once asked if Benzema could step up in Ronaldo’s absence when the Portuguese star fled for Juventus in July 2018. Benzema carried Los Blancos to Champions League and La Liga triumph in the 2021-22 season. The French forward became the club’s main man, becoming its second-all-time leading scorer.
Benzema responds to Cristiano
The French striker responded to Ronaldo’s snub with an Instagram post on Wednesday. The Benz shared an image of his 2022 Ballon d’Or trophy on his kitchen table. A simple retort.
Meanwhile, despite seven nominations, 25-year-old Kylian Mbappe has yet to win the Ballon d’Or award. In 2017, he became the youngest Ballon d’Or nominee ever before Lamine Yamal made the list this year.
Now that Mbappe is at Real Madrid, Ronaldo is betting Mbappe can seal the award. “He could be the Ballon d’Or winner in the coming years,” said Ronaldo.
Benzema’s indirect rebuttal also suggests some possible jealousy or enmity between the two compatriots. Benzema will speak with Ronaldo face-to-face when their teams meet in the Saudi Pro League this December.
Photos: Youtube/UR Ronaldo, Instagram: Benzema
