Mbappe backs Benzema for the "now or never" Ballon d'Or award

France forward

is the favorite for the award after firing

to a continental double last term in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League scoring 44 goals in 46 games across all competitions. Benzema's France teammate,

feels the 34-year-old will never take home the Ballon d'Or if this is not his year.

The

striker told

:

"Of course. He is 34 years old, has just made the season of his life, wins another Champions League by often being decisive.

"Instead of Karim, if I don't win there [in that position], I stop thinking about the Ballon d'Or forever."

Surpassing

 as Madrid's outright second-highest goalscorer in a midweek Super Cup win over

, Benzema had a decent week at Real Madrid as he later was nominated for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award.

However, the French football told reporters ahead of their Frankfurt victory the team always comes first rather than the individual. He said:

"I'm not like that in terms of whether I'm the best or not. I always give my all for this club, the best club in the world.

"I have to give more and more every year. It's true I had a very good season, but other people can comment on if I'm the best in the world. I'm focused on helping my team in matches, that's all I can say.

"I'm not thinking about [the Ballon d'Or]; there's trophies to win every year, that's very important. I always stress the importance of success for the team that leads to individual success."

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