Looking Back At Karim Benzema's Career Ballon d'Or Rankings Shows His Incredible Career Resurrection

Karim Benzema's modest career Ballon d'Or rankings shows his incredible career resurrection as he remains on course to finally win the prestigious individual award this year.

The Frenchman is the runaway frontrunner for the 2022 Ballon d'Or following his remarkable goal-scoring exploits for Real Madrid this season.

He's scored an impressive 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions, guiding his side to La Liga and Champions League glory.

Image: Alamy

Despite turning 34-years-old in December last year, Benzema has reached a level and shows no signs of slowing down.

His career Ballon d'Or rankings highlight his positive career trajectory, having finished in his best place (4th) last year ahead of potentially being crowned the best player in world football.

Image: Alamy

A far cry from his previous best finish of 16th in 2014. In fact, he failed to break into the top ten in the last 10 years.

He finished in 22nd place in 2012 and didn't make the nominations the following year.

Benzema returned to the Ballon d'Or shortlist in 2014, finishing in 16th place. In 2015, he came in 20th place and didn't make the cut in 2016.

He entered the ranking at 25th in 2017 then 17th in 2018 and finished in 26th in 2019.

Benzema, though, appears set to win the coveted prize this year which would complete his career resurrection.

Karim Benzema's career Ballon d'Or rankings:

2012:

Rank - 22nd

Winner - Lionel Messi

2013:

Rank - N/A

Winner - Cristiano Ronaldo

2014:

Rank - 16th

Winner - Cristiano Ronaldo

2015:

Rank - 20th

Winner - Lionel Messi

2016:

Rank - N/A

Winner - Cristiano Ronaldo

2017:

Rank - 25th

Winner - Cristiano Ronaldo

2018:

Rank - 17th

Winner - Luka Modric

2019:

Rank - 26th

Winner - Lionel Messi

2020:

CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19

2021:

Rank - 4th

Winner - Lionel Messi