Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has congratulated France international teammate Karim Benzema on his Ballon d’Or win.
Benzema won the award for the first time in a ceremony on Monday night, living up to his billing as the clear favourite.
The Frenchman was widely viewed as a deserved winner after leading Real Madrid to win the Champions League back in May.
Benzema’s Les Bleus colleague Raphael Varane sent a message on Instagram, writing: “Congratulations, my little brother! U earned it. What a player !”
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema
Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 games last season, ensuring neither Manchester City or Liverpool won the Champions League, reason for United fans to be grateful.
Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on signing Benzema in 2009, The Mirror reported. He was lured by Real Madrid’s Galactico project, and United signed Michael Owen on a free transfer instead.
Benzema joined Real the same summer as Cristiano Ronaldo, and for years he was a supporting figure in the number 7’s astronomic success. Last season he finally took centre stage, scoring at a frequency Ronaldo would have been proud of.
Former United defender Patrice Evra paid tribute to Benzema with a post on his Instagram page.
Cristiano Ronaldo 20th in Ballon d’Or vote
Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo finished in 20th place in the voting, still a commendable achievement at the age of 37.
This was his lowest finish in the award since 2005, but it maintained a record of a top 20 place for the past 18 years – he finished 12th in 2004.
Ronaldo has won the award five times, and was sixth place in 2021.
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