Unseen Photo of Karim Benzema’s Finger Behind His Signature Bandage Spotted at 2022 Ballon d’Or Awards

• Real Madrid's Karim Benzema gave a rare view of his broken finger to viewers who watched the 2022 Ballon d'Or ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris
• Benzema sustained an injury to his pinky finger on his right hand during a league game against Real Betis in January 2019
• The Frenchman required surgery to fix his finger, but the operation and rehab would have sidelined him for two months, hence he opted against surgery and returned to playing for Madrid with a bandaged right hand

Karim Benzema appeared at the 66th edition of the Ballon d'Or awards without his signature bandage on Monday, October 17.

Benzema picked up the prestigious gong wearing a black tuxedo over a banded collar shirt, reminiscent of the outfit worn by Tupac Shakur at the 1996 American Music Awards - but without his 'lucky charm' bandage.

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Looking dapper on the stage, the Real Madrid frontman thanked all his teammates and those who had helped him on his way to his 'dream.'

However, the conspicuous absence of his signature bandage gave viewers a rare glance at his right hand, something most football fans have not seen since the 34-year-old broke his finger in 2019, as noted by Sport Bible.

Why Benzema wears a bandage

If you've watched Karim Benzema play in the past three years, it’s hard not to notice his bandaged right hand during games, as Sports Brief has reported.

The iconic bandaged hand has become synonymous with the player and takes centre stage during his fist pump goal celebration.

Benzema’s bandages have become so iconic they even feature in the FIFA video games as well. While many have seen the striker’s hand bandaged during the game, not many know the actual reason.

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Benzema wins 2022 Ballon d'Or

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Karim Benzema clinched the 2022 edition of the Ballon d'Or on the back of a sterling campaign with Real Madrid, which culminated in Champions League success.

Benzema, who was the overwhelming favourite ahead of the awards ceremony, was ranked over Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane and Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona to annex the prestigious diadem.

The Real Madrid frontman scored an outstanding 44 goals in 46 games for Los Blancos including 15 in the UEFA Champions League.