Moffi backs Benzema to beat Mane to this year’s Ballon d’Or

Terem Moffi has backed Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema to win this year’s Balon D’or, ahead of African player of the year, Sadio Mane.

Benzema and Mane are the favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or, following their fantastic show for club and country.

Mane led Senegal to the the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon and also won Cup doubles with Liverpool.

Benzema, on his part also had what is largely required his best individual season, scoring numerous goals for club and country.

The France star led Los Blancos to La Liga glory, before beating Mane led Liverpool to win the UEFA Champions League title for Real Madrid.

He also led the Le Blues to the UEFA Euro Nation League glory, where they defeated Spain 2-1 in the final.

Moffi however believes the Real Madrid Captain did more than enough to put himself in good position to the award.

“For the Ballon d’Or, it’s not up to me to say whether Benzema deserves it or not,” Moffi told Ouest France.

“But he won everything, he scored a lot of goals. Sadio Mané was also very successful, scoring very important goals.

“My favourite choice would go for my ‘African brother’, but I think Benzema should win, thanks to his performances with Real Madrid and the France team,” Moffi concluded.

The Ballon d’Or winner will be selected based on the results of a season rather than a calendar year for the first time in the history of the award.

Last year’s Ballon d’Or awards went to Lionel Messi and Putellas, while Barcelona youngster Pedri won the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player and Gianluigi Donnarumma was given the Yashin Trophy.