Merseyside Police: Exemplary Behaviour From Vast Majority Of Liverpool Fans In Paris
Thierry Henry completed the Golden Ball after Karim Benzema won the Champions League with Real Madrid on Saturday.
Benzema lifted the trophy to become France's second captain with Didier Deschamps of Marseille after beating Liverpool 1-0 at the Stade de France in 1993.
Carlo Ancelotti's youngsters owe a lot to Thibaut Courtois after the goalkeeper made nine stops, the last Champions League record since Opta's team started holding the record in 2003-2004.
Vinicius Junior scored the winning goal in Paris, but Real Madrid's 14th European Cup, Milan's second best goal (seventh), was the result of Benzema's efforts throughout the knockout stages.
The 34-year-old scored a hat-trick against Paris Saint-Germain, four goals in two games against Chelsea and three against Manchester City, including a free kick in extra time, to win the final.
Benzema has scored 59 goals (45 goals and 15 assists) in all competitions this season, surpassing only his French team-mate Kylian Mbappe (60) in the top five leagues in Europe.
Arsenal star Henry believes Benzema has put an end to the debate over who should win the Ballon d'Or this year with his success in Paris.
"I want to say something to France Football or those who voted. With the ballot closed, Benzema won. Goodbye," Henry told CBS Sports after the final.
France coach Didier Deschamps hopes Benzema can boost Ligue 1 fame in the World Cup finals in November and echoed Henry's feelings by proposing a Real Madrid talisman to win the award.
"The answer is simple: yes. This is the new season and the titles his team has won and what he can do, he is very determined."
"Of course he is already one of the nominees and he deserves this award."
Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi have won the Golden Ball in 13 of the last 14 seasons, with the exception of team-mate Benzema Luka Modric in 2018.
While Benzema believes his achievements on a personal and collective level are enough to prevent Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah from leaving Liverpool, he insists he will be happy with both Real Madrid players.
"It is clear that I have finished the season and now I will join the national team," Benzema told Canal Plus.
"I do not think I can do better at club level. I want to know what happened, but I'm proud of what I have achieved."
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