Former Real Madrid Manager Zinedine Zidane Backs Karim Benzema to Win the Ballon d’Or

• Zinedine Zidane has called Karim Benzema his little brother and joined in the calls to have the striker win this year's Ballon d'Or
• Benzema was in unrivalled form this season and he is the clear favourite to succeed Lionel Messi as the best player in the world
• He steered Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League victories with dominant performances all season

Former Real Madrid head coach and club legend Zinedine Zidane has said that Karim Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

In what is proving to be a lop-sided race in favour of Benzema, Zidane has added his weight and comments to the ceremony that will take place in October.

It is currently hard to see how Benzema will be beaten to the top gong this year. The striker has been in a class of his own as he majestically led Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League triumphs.

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He finished the season with 44 goals in all competitions. His most memorable performances came in the Champions League when he scored back-to-back hat tricks against Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals and round of 16 respectively.

In an interview with Marca Zidane referred to the 34-year-old as his 'little brother.'

Karim is like the little brother I never had. We send each other messages. I'm not surprised by what he's doing. I knew he was capable of that. He has always been very good at Madrid. He's simply exceptional. Will he win the Ballon d’Or this year? Not only do I think that, but the whole world says it.

Zidane enjoyed a successful career with Benzema during his stint as Real Madrid head coach. Benzema was part of Zidane's squad that won three consecutive Champions League titles.

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Zinedine Zidane wants to coach the national team

Sports Brief earlier reported that Zinedine Zidane had hinted he would love to coach the France national team when he returns to football management.

The former Real Madrid boss has been out of management for more than a year after he quit his role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the 50-year-old recently opened up about his desire to make a return to the dugout, insisting that that has always been his passion.