It's been almost a month since Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema bagged the prestigious Ballon d'Or 2022 award. While congratulatory wishes poured in for the 34-year-old icon across social media platforms, one name that didn't post any message was former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo and French superstar Karim Benzema enjoyed tremendous success while playing together for Real Madrid for the best part of a decade. The sensational pair, which bagged four Champions League triumphs together, won the hearts of football fans worldwide until the Portuguese talisman moved to Juventus in the summer of 2018. While Benzema always continues to recognise his contribution towards his career, the 37-year-old has barely spoken about his former teammate.
During their nine years together at the Bernabeu, Benzema served as Ronaldo's ideal ally. The two forged a great rapport and scored 76 goals together. In addition to the Ballon d'Or, he won at Manchester United, Ronaldo added five more, and each season, the French superstar was an important cog in his success.
After a stellar campaign in Real Madrid last season, Benzema took home the prestigious Ballon d'Or 2022 trophy last month. Sadio Mane and Kevin de Bruyne came in second and third, respectively. Ronaldo's 20th-place performance in the standings was his worst since taking home the prize for the first time in 2008.
When asked if Ronaldo had been in touch with him to congratulate the Frenchman on receiving the prestigious honour, Benzema responded, "No, not yet." Given the two's closeness, the rejection might seem strange, but the Manchester United star might feel he needs to concentrate on other things right now.
Ronaldo will almost probably be seeking a new club in the coming weeks after Sunday night's shocking comments during an interview with Piers Morgan, in which he claimed he felt 'betrayed' at Old Trafford. In addition, the Qatar World Cup 2022 is around the corner, and the Portugal legend will be hoping to fire his country to a sensational victory on the world stage. Whatever the 37-year-old icon's future may hold, the way he is managing the latter stages of his unquestionably amazing career leaves much to be desired.
Also read: Revealed: How Piers Morgan landed explosive interview with Cristiano Ronaldo
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