According to statistics, the average retirement age for professional footballers is 35. However, recently, against all odds and predictions, Karim Benzema won the Ballon do’r at 34 becomingthe oldest player to win the title since 66 years after Steven Matthew (1956).
I had taken my time to study the man Benzema after the last Champions League (20/21) won by Real Madrid against Liverpool. Benzema is a very patient man. His patience is seen in his fidelity to Real Madrid since the days of Cristiano Ronaldo in spite of many challenges.
When other players and getting frustrated and changing clubs, I did not see Benzema frustrated. He fought gallantly and strategically in the pitch of play. There are so many great players that get missing when big games become really tough. Surely, Karim Benzema isn’t one of them. He is focused and delivers when it really matters most. What a player!
Above all, in spite of being one of the most gifted players of this time, he is a humble man. He was one of those who made “Cr7” yet he remained humble. He shared in the joy of victories withhis teammates and mourned with them when they were defeated. I see him smile in and out of the pitch and I never heard he had or was having problems with the managers of his club.
Winning the Balon Do’r at 34 is a message to anyone that cares about reaching the peak of their achievements in spite of all the odds and setbacks of life. Benzema was crowned king at an age when many in his profession are beginning to hang or have already hung their boots.
With the right combination of talent and discipline, age can truly be just numbers and may not undermine the great exploits that one could achieve with patiently acquired skills and determination. Benzema is typical example of this and is therefore worth celebrating and emulating.
