Karim Benzema says Cristiano Ronaldo has NOT congratulated him on winning the Ballon d'Or

Karim Benzema has revealed that former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo has NOT messaged him following his Ballon d'Or triumph.

Benzema claimed the first Ballon d'Or of his legendary career after starring for Real Madrid last season, helping his team win the La Liga and the Champions League.

He scored a remarkable 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions as he pipped Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne to the coveted individual prize.

The 34-year-old received widespread recognition, with Zinedine Zidane calling him the 'best striker in French football history'.

But Benzema's ex-club colleague Ronaldo has NOT yet congratulated him on his individual triumph.

Asked whether the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had congratulated him at all on winning the prestigious award, the France international replied: "No, not yet."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema celebrate. Image: Alamy

Benzema and Ronaldo enjoyed a prolific nine-year, trophy-laden spell together as strike partners at Real.

But nearly a month on from winning the Ballon d'Or award, the Manchester United man has surprisingly not reached out to his old teammate.

Benzema, meanwhile, will now turn his attention to the World Cup as France look to defend their title in Qatar.

And the forward, who turns 35 the day after the World Cup final, says it will be one of his best-ever birthday presents if they can raise gold this winter.

"Winning the World Cup would be one of my best ever birthday presents," he said. "Each match will be a cup final. We’ve got a great group of players, we’re going to take it one game at a time.

"I’ve had a few little fitness issues but nothing serious. There’s still plenty of time until the 22nd. I’ll be fine, I’ll be physically and mentally ready."

On returning to Lyon to parade the Ballon d'Or, he added: "It’s amazing. Thanks to my current club Real Madrid for helping me make my dreams come true, and to Lyon, my boyhood club.

"They’ve always been here for me, I started making my way through the ranks here, so it’s an unbelievable moment, it’s really heart-warming for me. It’s my city, it’s the club that helped me fulfil my ambition of signing for Real Madrid. Seeing all the people here and all the fans is incredible, it makes me really proud of the work I’ve done and I know they’re proud of me too."