“It’s as if you don’t see him” - Di Maria delivers verdict on ex-Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema winning Ballon d’Or in 2022

Angel Di Maria has delivered his verdict on ex-Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema's Ballon d'Or triumph back in 2022. The Argentina forward reckons that the Frenchman deserved to claim the accolade while showering him with praises.

Karim Benzema beat off competition from Sadio Mane and Karim Benzema to claim the Ballon d'Or in October 2022. He managed to clinch the honor thanks to his remarkable outing with Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season.

The striker was in a class of his own throughout the campaign, recording an impressive 44 goals and 15 assists to his name in 46 appearances across all competitions and leading Real Madrid to claim the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

Five years later, his former colleague Angel Di Maria has delivered his verdict on that Ballon d'Or triumph and it comes in glowing tributes for the French striker.

“Benzema is a player with a quality that’s unique: it’s as if you don't see him, and then suddenly, without warning, he grabs the ball, takes out two or three players & delivers a decisive pass or scores a goal. He deserved to win the Ballon d’Or," the Argentine said in an interview with L'Equipe.

Angel Di Maria and Karim Benzema shared the dressing room at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2014. They enjoyed a lot of success together, claiming six honors, including the Champions League and La Liga titles.

Their partnership ended when the Argentine left for Manchester United in 2014. Benzema also parted ways with the Spanish giants in favor of a Saudi Arabia move later in 2023 - one year after his Ballon d'Or conquest.

Di Maria and Benzema's numbers at Real Madrid

During his four-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, Di Maria played a total of 190 games across all competitions, recording 36 goals and 85 assists to his name. He's currently without a club but is active on international duty with Argentina and is expected to participate in the Copa America final this weekend.

Karim Benzema, meanwhile, played 648 games in Los Blancos colors, contributing 354 goals and 165 assists before leaving for Saudi Arabia. The one-time Ballon d'Or winner failed to make it into France's squad for the Euros this summer largely owing to his struggles last season where he bagged just nine goals in the Saudi Pro League.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, remain one of the strongest clubs in Europe, fresh off their Champions League-winning campaign last term. The Merengues are expected to get even more firepower as they prepare to welcome players like Kylian Mbappe and Endrick this summer.