Karim Benzema reflects on Real Madrid exit & names pick for Ballon d'Or | OneFootball

Karim Benzema insists he has no regrets about his departure from Real Madrid last summer.

After an outstanding 2022/23 campaign which yielded 31 goals in all competitions, Benzema allowed his contract to expire and made the surprise move to Saudi Arabia, kickstarting a wave of transfers to the Middle East.

Madrid went on to reclaim the La Liga title in Benzema's absence and even won the Champions League last season, but the 36-year-old remains adamant that leaving was the right decision.

"Some come and others go," he told MARCA. "It's like that and it will always happen. It was the right moment.

"Of course I look back and feel happy. Last season, they gave a sensation of power, of good football and that's why they won the Champions League and La Liga. Today, I don't see any other team that can be better than Real Madrid.

"A spectacular season, very good. Real Madrid is always the best team in the world. Players come and go, but Real Madrid will always be at the top, at the very top. They are the best and will continue to prove it.

They are the best team in the world. They're always strong and fighting for everything. I stand there, look around and don't see any team that's capable of being better."

Bellingham & Vinicius are among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

Madrid's dominance at club level has seen a handful of stars touted as major competitors for this year's Ballon d'Or prize. Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are expected to be in the running, while there are growing shouts for right-back Dani Carvajal to take the prize after steering Spain to Euro 2024 glory as well.

For Benzema, however, there is one clear winner.

"I'm going to say Vini because he deserves it for his season and not just for what he's done this year, but also for what he did last year, he was also above the rest with his football and what he does with the ball," the Frenchman said. "He's a kid, a complete footballer.

"He can win a game on his own, of course with the help of his teammates, but he is very good when Real Madrid needs him and that is why I think he deserves it. He is always there and he always shows up. For all of that, my favourite is Vini."