Karim Benzema: 2022 Ballon d’Or Winner Discloses How Cristiano Ronaldo Helped Him Win the Award

• Karim Benzema has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo played an unlikely role in his Ballon d'Or triumph
• The French striker was named the winner of the prestigious football award on Monday night in Paris, claiming it for the first time in his career
• Having netted 42 goals in the La Liga and the Champions League, the 34-year-old was a strong favourite to cart home the gong this year

Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema has opened up about Cristiano Ronaldo's unlikely role in his Ballon d'Or triumph.

The Frenchman picked the prestigious award on Monday night, October 17, in Paris after beating a host of top footballers to it.

Benzema was a firm favourite to claim the 2022 edition of the award after a successful 2021/22 season.

The 34-year-old netted an eyewatering 42 goals in the La Liga and the Champions League to help his side claim both trophies.

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However, the greatest highlight of his otherwise successful season was in the Champions League, where he played a starring role in inspiring Real Madrid to a record 14th European crown.

While many contend his success in the Ballon d'Or was down to his hard work on the pitch, the former Lyon attacker has divulged that Ronaldo actually had a role in his stunning run of form.

Speaking on Monday night, Benzema revealed that the exit of the Portuguese talisman from the Santiago Bernabeu in 2018 gave him an extra push to become a better player.

"It was an honour to play with him (Cristiano Ronaldo), he's a beast," Benzema said via The Mirror.

"The day he left, the ambition to be a better player then entered my head. Since he left, I've been motivated to do more things on the pitch," he added.

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Benzema shares Ballon d'Or success with mum

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Karim Benzema shared his crowning moment as the 2022 Ballon d'Or recipient with his mum and son on stage.

Benzema became the fifth French player to clinch the coveted individual diadem after edging competition from Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne.

The 34-year-old France international enjoyed a stunning 2021-22 campaign, scoring 44 goals in 46 games across all competitions.