Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema picked former Brazilian forward Ronaldo Nazario as his idol and he stated that we might never see anyone like him again. The Frenchman won the prestigious award of Ballon D’or on Monday for having a spectacular season for Real Madrid.

Benzema scored 44 goals and provided 15 assists in 46 games and played an instrumental role in the success of his club in the previous season. Real Madrid also won the LA Liga and UEFA Champions League and Benzema was at his best in both of these tournaments.

Kareem Benzema said (via the Madrid zone): “Ronaldo Nazario knows that he is my idol and everyone knows that we will never see anyone like him again.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo Nazario also had a glorious career for both Real Madrid and the national team. The striker played for Los Blancos from 2002 to 2007 and scored 103 goals and provided 35 assists in 177 games.

Benzema revealed that along with Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane was also his role model.

Benzema said (via The Evening Standard): “I had two role models in life: Zizou and Ronaldo. I’ve never lowered my efforts and I’ve kept the dream in my head, even through a period in which I was not in the national team.”

“But I did not lower my efforts and it worked. It has been difficult and this only made me stronger mentally. I am satisfied with my work and I am very happy. I thank my teammates at Real Madrid and the national team.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona by 2-1 in El Classico and Benzema scored in the 12th minute to put his team in front. Madrid is currently at the top of the points table in the LA Liga with 25 points after nine matches.