Platini: Benzema must justify his status at World Cup
France legend Michel Platini says Karim Benzema has to perform well at the World Cup after winning the Ballon d'Or.
The 34-year-old
Karim Benzemawon his first Ballon d’Or award on Monday in Paris. He scored 44 goals and helped
Real Madridto win LaLiga and Champions League last season. Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne finished in second and third places.
Michel Platini who won three consecutive Ballon d’Or between 1983 to 1985 believes after winning Ballon d’Or there will be more pressure on Benzema at the World Cup in Qatar.
"He reached the grail with the Ballon d'Or,"
Platini told RMC Sport.
"He has a big responsibility being the best player in the world and the World Cup is coming up.
"He will have to be on top to justify his status."
Platini admits that Benzema is on his way to becoming a legend of French football after winning Ballon d’Or.
"Benzema is becoming a legend of French football,"
Platini added.
"Winning a Ballon d'Or brings you into the ranks of great footballers.”
Benzema missed the last World Cup and returned to France's national team last year after six years. He scored four goals at Euro 2020 but France was eliminated in the round of 16 and Benzema hopes he can help his country to defend its title in Qatar.
Benzema is the fifth French winner overall and the first French player to win the Ballon d'Or since Zinedine Zidane in 1998. He is also the oldest player who has won the Ballon d'Or in history.
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