"Close the Vote:" Thierry Henry Backs Real Madrid Star to Win the Ballon d'Or

• Thierry Henry has declared Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema a firm favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or
• Benzema is a clear frontrunner for the individual award after a terrific season with Real Madrid that saw him with the La Liga and Champions League titles
• The 34-year-old Frenchman was involved in 17 Champions League goals this term, scoring 15 and setting up two others

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has declared Karim Benzema the clear winner of this year's Ballon d'Or winner.

The Real Madrid attacker has been in sensational form this season, inspiring Los Blancos to two major titles including the La Liga and Champions League titles.

While the 34-year-old was held scoreless in the Champions League final on Saturday night, May 28, against Liverpool, he did have a goal ruled out for offside.

Be that as it may, Goal reports his vital role in Real Madrid's campaign in the continental tournament cannot be overlooked.

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Karim Benzema's incredible 2021/22 campaign

The French star was involved in 17 Champions League goals, scoring 15 and setting up two others.

His most important goals came during the knockout rounds of the competition, sinking Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Man City in Real's epic journey.

In the La Liga, Benzema scored 27 goals to win the prestigious Pichichi award as well as 12 assists.

Thierry Henry backs Benzema to win the Ballon d'Or

Henry, who twice came close to winning the Ballon d'Or has now claimed Benzema has already won this year's edition of the award.

Speaking while on punditry duties with CBS Sports, the former France international insisted his fellow countryman is best placed to take home the gong.

"I just wanted to say something to France or whoever is voting [on the Ballon d'Or]. Close the votes, Benzema won it. Bye," he said.

Rio, Steven Gerrard declare Benzema favourite for Ballon d'Or

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard have claimed that no one deserves the Ballon d'Or more than Karim Benzema.

The two Premier League legends contend Benzema is the clear favourite to cart home the award, with Rio claiming it would be a 'travesty' if the Frenchman does not get it.

Benzema, who has scored an eyewatering 44 goals this season played an integral role in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph.