If there was ever a Ballon d’Or ceremony where the glories of French football were to come together, it was the one last night, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. A moment that allowed Karim Benzema, one of the best players in history, to win the precious trophy in front of a delirious crowd, made up of many of his relatives. The native of Lyon thus became the 5th French footballer to win this prestigious award. Before him, Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini three times and Zinedine Zidane won the famous Grail.
Zizou was obviously present and it was even he who presented the trophy to Karim Benzema during an emotional sequence where the Real Madrid player was able to thank his relatives, without forgetting to slightly scratch the coach of the Blues, Didier Deschamps. Another Frenchman also won the Ballon d’Or in 1991 and it is Jean Pierre Papin, when he played for Olympique de Marseille. Idol of the Stade Vélodrome, today’s 58-year-old striker did not come alone since he was with his wife, Florence and the couple appeared very complicit on the red carpet (photos can be found in the slideshow).
Jean-Pierre Papin very happy for Karim Benzema and French football
Parents of five children, the lovers took advantage of an evening for two in the capital. Among their children, we find in particular the little Emily, suffering from serious brain damage and for whom her father created the association Neuf de Coeur. Very happy to see Karim Benzema win his first Ballon d’Or, Jean-Pierre Papin spoke after the meeting on this beautiful coronation. “It’s so deserved that it’s a feeling of pride because I think Karim had the perfect season. Whether in the national team, with Real Madrid, I think he was one of the spearheads of these two teams.he said at the microphone of The L’Equipe channel, before concluding: “Today is a prize that is rightfully his. I think thatwe were all expecting the coronation of Karim. It is one of the most beautiful jewels that has been rewarded and I think it will do good for French football.”.