Sadio Mane, Senegalese forward has pledged his support to Karim Benzema, as he believes that no other person qualifies to win this year’s Balon D’or than Benzema.
Even though he too was shortlisted in that category, due to his impressive performance while he was at Liverpool as he helped them win two domestic awards and helped them finish second in the premier league game and the champions league.
Mane stated in an interview, that Benzema Deserves the award due to his achievements at Real Madrid, as he’s won the Champions League with Real Madrid
Speaking on his achievement of winning the AFCON, he said that it was a thing of joy for the entire country, as it’s their first time winning AFCON, but despite that, Benzema deserves the award
“Honestly, I think that Karim deserves it this year. He’s had a great, great season with Real Madrid. He’s won the Champions League… I think he easily deserves it, so I’m happy for him.
“I know I won the African Cup of Nations, it was a relief for me and the whole country, and I’m really happy to have won my first AFCON with my country.
“But I think it’s Karim who deserves it, and I honestly believe that,” Mane said.
Carlos Ancelotti Real Madrid’s head coach once said in an interview, that no other player qualifies for this year’s Balon D’or title than Benzema, and it would be a retirement bonus for him to see Benzema win the award.
Lionel Messi and Neymar didn’t make it to this year’s Balon D’or Nominations.