Karim Benzema: 'I am not far off winning the Ballon d'Or'

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes that he is "not far off" fulfilling his childhood dream of winning the Ballon d'Or.

The 33-year-old has started the 2021-22 season in magnificent form for Los Blancos, chalking up 10 goals and seven assists from 10 appearances in all competitions.

Benzema also amassed 30 goals and nine assists in 46 games last term, and the striker thinks that he has a realistic chance of winning the prestigious individual prize.

Speaking to Canal +, Benzema said: "Of course, of course [I am dreaming of winning the Ballon d'Or]. My idols, Ronaldo and Zizou came to Real Madrid. I have come to Real Madrid. And they also won the Ballon d'Or.

"These are little things that I think about. It'd be one of the many dreams I had as a child. Right now, here I am, I'm not far off."

Benzema's previous best finish in Ballon d'Or voting was 16th place in the 2014 edition, and the striker is one of two Real Madrid players to be nominated for the 2021 prize alongside Luka Modric.