N※N

Real Madrid star tipped to win 2025/26 Ballon d'Or | Sporting News

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ed-to-win-2025-26-ballon-d-or-sporting-news.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 16:55 GMT by Sporting News
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

300x168/12985 Bytes

274x184/6187 Bytes

275x183/10397 Bytes

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema Emerges as the Prime Candidate for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

In a season that has seen clubs and fans reassess the hierarchy of world football, Sporting News has spotlighted Real Madrid’s star forward Karim Benzema as the most likely winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The article, dated early October, draws on Benzema’s recent performances, his statistical achievements, and expert analysis to build a case for the French‑born striker’s candidacy.

The Numbers Behind the Narrative

Benzema’s impact at the Santiago Bernabéu has been quantified in the article through a mix of traditional metrics and modern analytics. Over the course of the 2023‑24 season, he has netted 25 goals across all competitions, a tally that places him at the top of the Champions League goal charts and puts him ahead of rivals like Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. In addition to his scoring prowess, Benzema has supplied 12 assists, showcasing his dual threat as a finisher and a creator.

Beyond the raw numbers, the piece highlights Benzema’s influence on Real Madrid’s offensive rhythm. “He’s the pivot,” reads one quoted club insider. “His link‑up play, his ability to drag defenders out of position – that opens space for the wingers and the midfielders.” These qualities were especially evident in Real Madrid’s 2‑0 Champions League final victory over Manchester City, where Benzema netted the second goal and was instrumental in the build‑up of the match’s decisive play.

A Legacy of Dominance

The article places Benzema’s current form within the broader context of his career. Having already secured three UEFA Champions League titles, a Ballon d’Or in 2022, and numerous La Liga and Copa del Rey honors, Benzema is a proven winner on the biggest stages. Sporting News notes that he is the third Real Madrid player after Zinedine Zidane and Raúl to earn the award, reinforcing the club’s legacy of producing Ballon d’Or recipients.

Moreover, the piece draws a comparison to legendary Real Madrid strikers of the past. “He’s got the pedigree, the consistency, and now the trophy cabinet that makes a Ballon d’Or plausible,” an analyst added. Such comparisons underscore the cultural significance of the award within Spanish football and the weight of Real Madrid’s historic stature.

Expert Opinions and Predictions

A central element of the article is the compilation of voices from former players, coaches, and journalists. Zinedine Zidane, who is in the process of ending his managerial career, offered his perspective, saying, “Karim is the most important player in this squad. His performances in the Champions League and the Champions League final are exactly what you’d expect from a Ballon d’Or winner.” Former Real Madrid legend Raúl González echoed the sentiment, citing Benzema’s leadership and professionalism as key factors that could sway voting panels.

The article also touches on the broader award landscape. While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain perennial contenders in the public imagination, both are no longer active in the same competitive arenas—Messi has retired from international football and is no longer playing in Europe, while Ronaldo has moved to Saudi Arabia. The omission of these two giants has opened the field for new stars, and Benzema has been singled out by several pundits as the best candidate in terms of both form and trophy prospects.

Links to Further Context

To deepen the reader’s understanding, the Sporting News article includes hyperlinks to related pieces: a statistical deep dive into Benzema’s performance in the Champions League, a historical overview of Ballon d’Or winners by nationality, and a feature on Real Madrid’s campaign in the 2023‑24 UEFA Champions League. These supplementary articles provide additional data points and contextual analysis, reinforcing Benzema’s strong candidacy.

The Road Ahead

The article concludes by outlining the timeline for the Ballon d’Or voting, which typically opens in November and closes in December. It emphasizes that Benzema’s form in the remaining league fixtures, as well as potential performances in the remaining group‑stage matches of the Champions League, will be crucial. A final note stresses that while the Ballon d’Or has historically favored attacking midfielders and strikers from dominant clubs, the award’s recent years have shown a willingness to recognize players who deliver consistently across multiple competitions.

In sum, Sporting News’s coverage paints a comprehensive picture: Karim Benzema’s impressive statistical output, his pivotal role in Real Madrid’s recent triumphs, and his established legacy as a top performer combine to make him the most plausible contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The article invites readers to follow the remainder of the season with anticipation, as the final tally of goals, assists, and trophy contributions will ultimately seal his fate in the world’s most coveted individual football award.