Karim Benzema - Who Can Challenge The Striker's Ballon d'or Charge?

39 goals in 39 appearances already this season for Karim Benzema. No other player in Europe comes close to the French striker this season. He has been tipped to win the Ballon d’or at the end of the season. As we enter the tail-end of the season, who are the players that can challenge Benzema for the coveted award?

Benzema’s Season

With an expected goal (xG) of 22, Karim Benzema has scored 25 goals in La Liga. With over 2300 minutes played, the French striker is averaging a goal every 92 minutes.. Outstanding.

What is even more impressive is how he is very involved in Real Madrid’s play. Benzema has played 53 key passes in the league.He averages 1.9 key passes per game (eight highest in the league). Karim Benzema also tops the chart for most big chances created (12) alongside Ousmane Dembélé, Iker Muniain, and Nabil Fekir. He is undoubtedly the best player in La Liga with over 35 direct goal contributions (25 goals 11 assist).

In the UCL, he also boasts impressive stats. Benzema has scored 12 goals in 9 UCL matches this season, averaging a goal ever 66 minute.

Karim Benzema Is The Favorite

His hat-tricks against Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea lifted Real Madrid in those games. The 34-year-old has repeatedly bailed Real Madrid out this season with late winners and impressive work-rate.

Possible Challengers

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has had a wonderful season so far with Liverpool. His goal-scoring form has not been like the beginning of the season, but he is a solid candidate.

He has already won the Carabao Cup and is part of a Liverpool team chasing four trophies. He looks a very solid candidate, but Benzema has been more influential.

Robert Lewandowski

Going out of the UCL at the hands of Villarreal certainly won’t help his case, but just like the past 6 years, Lewandowski has enjoyed another productive season scoring goals.

Lewandowski almost won it last year, but lost out to Lionel Messi. However, this year, Benzema is clearly ahead of him in the race.

Kylian Mbappe

Another attacker who has had a productive season scoring goals, However, his team was knocked out of the UCL by Karim Benzema’s hat-trick.

The 34-year-old should finish over his younger compatriot in the race for the Ballon d’or.

Who else do you think can challenge Karim Benzema for the Ballon d’or?