Real Madrid's Karim Benzema is now the odds on favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or following another sensational performance in the Champions League, this time against Manchester City. The 34-year-old scored twice against City in their 4-3 defeat to Pep Guardiola's side, making it 41 goals in 41 goals this season, including 14 in ten appearances in Europe's biggest competition this season.
But City are not the only team to feel the wrath of the Frenchman, with Chelsea also succumbing to his goal scoring expertise, with Benzema netting five goals across the two legs against Thomas Tuchel's side. Prior to his excellent run of form in the Champions League, the Real Madrid number nine was available at odds of 16/1 with some bookmakers through oddschecker, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah the clear front runner to scoop the award.
But with the Egyptian's goal drought, the goals have flowed for Benzema, and he now has 25 goals in 29 appearances across all competition, compared to Salah's 22 goals from 31 appearances. But Benzema is not the only one looking to capitalise on the Egyptian King's recent slump in form, with Kevin De Bruyne 's goal and assist against Real Madrid typifying what a fantastic season the Belgian playmaker has had.
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The 30-year-old has come in from 12/1 less than two months ago, to 13/2 with two bookmakers but remains a best price 10/1 through oddschecker.
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo also makes the list, with the six-time winner of the award backed at odds up to 33/1 alongside England captain, Harry Kane. In what has been a disappointing season for United, the Portuguese superstar has scored 22 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions this season, meaning he has an outside chance of reaching Lionel Messi on seven Ballon d'Or titles.
Here is a run through of the top ten front runners to win the Ballon d'Or this season, with the odds correct as of 27/04/22 and available to view via oddschecker, here.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) - 11/10
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 13/2
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) 10/1
Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - 14/1
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) - 14/1
Sadio Mane (Liverpool) - 25/1
Harry Kane (Tottenham) - 33/1
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) 33/1
Lionel Messi (PSG) - 33/1
