Roberto Carlos: It's time for Benzema to win the Ballon d'Or

According to

legend Roberto Carlos, Karim Benzema deserves to receive the Ballon d'Or. Benzema is one of the favorites for the award after a successful season with Real Madrid.

In 46 appearances across all competitions, he netted 44 goals and provided 15 assists, helping Los Blancos win

, the

, and the Supercopa de Espana.

The 34-year-old won the competition's Player of the Season accolade after scoring a joint-record 10 goals in the Champions League's knockout rounds. 

Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Luka Modric is the only player to have claimed the Ballon d'Or since 2008, but Roberto Carlos believes Benzema's time has come.

"We hope that this year it can be given to him because he has had a great season and we are all eager for Karim to win the Ballon d'Or for what he has done on the pitch," he told Stats Perform ahead of his participation in Sunday's Soccer Aid match. 

"He has scored goals, he is a leader and captain of Real Madrid, and it is time for him to win the Ballon d'Or." 

Madrid was tipped with a deal for

forward Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan is expected to join Liverpool for €100 million. 

"I think Benzema has done so many things for Real Madrid that today everyone wants a striker like him. Darwin has shown in Portugal to be a great striker and I wish him the best if he ends up at Liverpool," said Roberto Carlos. 

Carlo Ancelotti became the first manager to win the Champions League four times as Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in Paris. During his managerial career, he has won 23 trophies, and Roberto Carlos expects the Italian tactician to win more in the 2022-23 season. 

"The coach is fantastic, he's fantastic. That is why he has won so many Champions Leagues and so many leagues," said Roberto Carlos. 

"He is an amazing person. Real Madrid has had a great season in LaLiga, the Supercopa and the Champions League. Now they have to rest to have the same titles next season as this year." 

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