Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has revealed that his former teammate and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has not congratulated him yet on his 2022 Ballon d'Or award win after nearly a month since the Frenchman claimed the prize.
Ronaldo and Benzema enjoyed a prolific and trophy-laden nine years together at Real Madrid, which saw them play together in a staggering 342 times for Los Blancos, with only Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, and Luka Modric having featured in more games with the 34-year-old former Olympique Lyon player, according to Transfermarkt.
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A sensational 2021/22 campaign which saw the centre-foward score 44 goals in 46 matches for Real and helped his side clinch their 14th UEFA Champions League trophy as well as a LaLiga title.
Following his stellar exploits that season, Benzema was widely regarded as the favourite to win the award, beating Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to the accolade and becoming only the fifth France international to be awarded the prestigious honour after Raymond Kopa, Jean-Pierre Papin, Michel Platini, and Zinedine Zidane.
According to The Mirror, having been hailed by many following his remarkable achievement, the talisman was asked whether Ronaldo had extended words of congratulations following his triumph, he replied: "No, not yet."
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The marksman, who turns 35 after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, also revealed winning the tournament with Les Bleus would be the best birthday present.
"Winning the World Cup would be one of my best ever birthday presents," he said. "Each match will be a cup final. We've got a great group of players, we're going to take it one game at a time.
"I've had a few little fitness issues but nothing serious. There's still plenty of time until the 22nd. I'll be fine, I'll be physically and mentally ready."
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WATCH: BENZEMA CELEBRATE HIS BALLON D'OR WIN WITH HIS REAL TEAMMATES.