“He is simply unique” – Ivan Rakitic picks his 2021 Ballon d’Or winner
Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic has picked Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema as his choice for the 2021 Ballon d’Or award.
The Croatian hailed Benzema’s consistency at Real Madrid, tipping his hat towards the performances.
Rakitic feels Benzema has effortlessly stepped up as the main man since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus, elevating his status even further at the Santiago Bernabeu. Having faced Benzema on a few occasions during his club career in Spain, Rakitic is in awe of the Frenchman.
The former Barcelona star also admitted he feels happy to have exchanged jerseys with Benzema, which is now on display in his personal museum.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Rakitic expressed his opinion on Benzema and the 2021 Ballon d’Or award.
“Let me first tell you that I am very happy to have exchanged a jersey with him. It is now on display in my personal museum.”
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“What Karim has been doing for years is simply amazing. He’s been at Real for so long and yet he still scores as much and often important goals”.
“Since Cristiano’s departure he has clearly become the leader. He is simply unique and I would like to congratulate him on that. I wish him to continue like this except against us.”
Benzema has scored 14 goals and registered eight assists in 15 appearances across all competitions this season. The 33-year-old also won the UEFA Nations League with France, scoring in the semi-finals and final.
The race for the 2021 Ballon d’Or has entered its final lap. From the 30-man shortlist, the winner will be crowned on November 29 with the ceremony being held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Despite receiving a vote of confidence from Rakitic, Benzema is not the front-runner to win the award.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or for a record-extending seventh time, while Robert Lewandowski is also in contention.
