Not Lewandowski: Sadio Mané reveals his favorite for the Ballon d’Or
Sadio Mane
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Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mané believes Karim Benzema will win the Ballon d’Or this year.
The Ballon d’Or 2022 will be awarded on October 17th. Bayern star Sadio Mané has identified a clear favorite.
Sadio Mané briefly had the pleasure of training with Robert Lewandowski at FC Bayern before the Pole moved to top Spanish club FC Barcelona. There, the 34-year-old continued his past performances and scored twelve goals in ten competitive games for Balugrana. Nevertheless, Mané does not see the ex-Bayern star as a favorite for the Ballon d’Or this year, but Karim Benzema.
“Honestly, I think Karim deserves it this year,” the Senegalese, who was recently voted Africa’s footballer of the year, told French broadcaster after beating Viktoria Pilsen 5-0 in the Champions League Canal+.
Benzema scores 15 goals in the Champions League
Even if Robert Lewandowski scored 46 goals in 50 competitive games in the 2021/22 season, the title for the best footballer this year should go to the French. Because Benzema was the top scorer in the Champions League with 15 goals.
Among others, scored two hat-tricks in the knockout phase against Paris St. Germain and Chelsea. “He’s had a great season with Real Madrid. He’s won the Champions League. I think he deserves it so I’m happy for him,” said Mané.
In any case, one thing is certain. Lionel Messi will not be able to defend his title from last year. Because for the first time since 2005, La Pulga didn’t make it onto the 30-man shortlist.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Not Lewandowski: Sadio Mané reveals his favorite for the Ballon d’Or released.