Benzema

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema channeled his music idol Tupac Shakur at the Ballon d’Or 2022.
Image via Twitter
@benzema/Flickr

Drip, drip! Karim Benzema channels Tupac at Ballon d’Or

Karim Benzema channeled his love of hip-hip music – and his idol Tupac Shakur – at the Ballon d’Or Awards in Paris on Monday.

Benzema

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema channeled his music idol Tupac Shakur at the Ballon d’Or 2022.
Image via Twitter
@benzema/Flickr

Karim Benzema had soccer fans in sheer disbelief as he scooped the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy for 2022 – becoming the oldest player at 34 to ever win the award.

The veteran icon – who plays for Spanish team Real Madrid – paid tribute to his own idol on his biggest night – the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

Benzema beat the likes of Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane, Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to win the prestigious Golden Ball award.

BENZEMA CHANNELS TUPAC AT BALLON D’OR

Benzema’s look for the Ballon d’Or – which took place at the Châtelet Theater in Paris – was strikingly similar to one worn by Tupac at the American Music Awards in 1996.

Karim wore a black tuxedo, which he paired with a white Mandarin shirt with a black and gold collar piece. He topped off the look with a pair of golden specs – just like Tupac.

According to reports, Tupac – who died in 1996 at the age of 25 – was Benzema’s childhood hero.

He told HighSnobiety in 2017 of his love for hip-hop music: “I must have been seven years old or eight years old. Yes, Tupac and all that.”

And just like his love for Tupac, winning a Ballon d’Or award was his biggest dream as a child.

Collecting his Golden Ball award, Benzema told the audience: “This is a childhood dream. My journey was not easy. It was difficult for me and my family. To be here today for the first time, I am happy with my work. I will keep going”

Addressing critics of his win in the latter part of his career, Benzema added that “age is just a number”.

PRAISE FROM FOOTIE FAM

Meanwhile, a number of high-profile soccer stars have heaped praise on Karim Benzema following his amazing achievement during the 2021,2022 season.

Former French football player Thierry Henry said in a recent interview: “In a world full of Ronaldo and Messi fans, I was a Karim Benzema fan for 15 years of my life.

“They laughed at me when I told them he will challenge for the Ballon d’Or with Real Madrid one day. Every hero has his day. Never stop working. Be like Karim.”

Mesut Ozil – Benzema’s former Real Madrid colleague – tweeted: “My boy Benzi – the best player in the world. I’ve always said you will win this trophy and you deserve it so much. Proud of you my brother.”

Brazil’s Ricardo Kaka – who also had a stint at the league club alongside Benzema added: “Congrats on the well-deserved honour, my friend! Welcome to the team.”

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, also a Real Madrid alumnus, added: “Congratulations my friend, it’s been an honour to play with you.”