It's the first day of the rest of his career.
Karim Benzema, winner of the Ballon d'Or 2022, will walk the lawn of the Estadio Martínez Valero, in Elche this Wednesday.
A return to earth, two days after bathing in the stars at the Châtelet theater in Paris.
"
It's for you, Karim Benzema
", had proudly announced his former coach at Real, Zinédine Zidane, before presenting him with the prestigious trophy, and seeing the parents and the son of the French striker take the stage to immortalize the instant.
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"KB9", as he is nicknamed, had evoked "
a pride
", "
a childhood dream
" of touching the Ballon d'Or with his hands.
This dream, it will extend to the feet.
The equipment manufacturer Adidas has made him special shoes that he will wear against Elche.
They are white, streaked with golden stripes, with studs that are also golden in color.
Perfect marriage with the white tunic of Real, leader of La Liga after his victory in the Clasico against FC Barcelona, last Sunday (3-1), where Benzema had shone and scored.
SEE ALSO –
The presentation of the Ballon d'Or 2022 to Karim Benzema by Zinédine Zidane
Adidas went even further to celebrate the 34-year-old Frenchman, releasing a limited edition of his Madrid jersey with gold flocking.
“
We are very happy,
had greeted his coach, Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday.
This morning, he said he was very proud of this trophy and thanked his teammates.
It's an individual reward, but it's the team that put him in optimal conditions so that he could show all his qualities.
»
Busy schedule before the World Cup
Satisfied, Ancelotti is.
But not too much.
"
It's passed.
He already has to think about the next Ballon d'Or
, "retorted the Italian coach, inviting Benzema"
to score points
"from this Wednesday, during the 10th day of La Liga.
The time is already over for the party for the former Lyonnais: between October 19 and November 10, he will play 7 matches with Real.
Before flying to Qatar with the France team, which will launch its World Cup on November 22 against Australia.
Read also Karim Benzema: “The People's Ballon d'Or?
There is nothing political."
Even crowned Ballon d'Or, Benzema, 5 goals and an assist in 10 matches this season, has no right to respite.
“
I am happy, satisfied with my work, I will continue like this
”, he promised before leaving the Parisian stage on Monday.
It's up to him to put words into action on the field of Elche, La Liga's red lantern.