It is the first time in history that the Ballon d’Or voting will be based on a season, rather than the actual calendar year.
As a result, it does seem obvious that Benzema will bag the award.
The 34-year-old scored 27 and assisted 12 in 32 La Liga outings as Real Madrid went on to clinch another title.
In the Champions League, meanwhile, Benzema almost singlehandedly got Real Madrid to the final.
He scored a hat-trick vs PSG in the last 16 after his side went 2-0 down. Benzema netted four across two legs vs Chelsea and he scored three and assisted one across two legs vs Manchester City in the semi-final.
Florentino Perez has had this to say on Benzema winning the Ballon d’Or:
The Real Madrid president also reflected on the past season:
“In sporting terms, last season we experienced memorable matches, which reflected Madrid’s DNA, that fight until the end. We beat PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City. I would also like to congratulate Liverpool for their great performance. I would also like to thank our players, legends and some of them, who have already won five Champions League titles.”
“We have a squad to keep dreaming about all the challenges that lie ahead. Real Madrid does not allow complacency or relaxation. After winning the European Super Cup, we have won all the matches we have played, being the only club in the top five leagues to have achieved this. This is the way forward,” he added.
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