Congratulations, Karim Benzema.

The Real Madrid forward has been voted French player of the year by France Football magazine.  It comes as no surprise – or at least to this writer – that Benzema received this honor.  The forward has played wonderfully this year, blossoming as a player under José Mourinho's tutelage.  After being named France's best player in 2011, he stated:

"It is an honour to receive an individual accolade, but the team is what matters. I had to overcome difficulties at first, such as injuries and not playing in the 2010 World Cup, but I had the good fortune of coming into contact with a coach like Jose Mourinho, who helped me become a better footballer. I wasn't used to talking to coaches, but I decided to ask Mourinho what he expected of me. That's when I started to feel better physically and also with my game. Mourinho has helped me express rage in my game and he motivates me by instilling courage in me. He has great faith in his men and is always keeping an eye on us. He would never betray his team."

Upon signing with Real Madrid, he faced a lot of criticism, particularly with the home crowd.  At one point in time, the France international was booed by Madridistas at the Bernabéu for not delivering what was expected of him.  True, his fitness at the beginning of the 10/11 season was not ideal and his performance was not 100%, but I was fortunate enough to have seen Benzema hard at work prior to his signing with Los Blancos when he played for Lyon.  At Lyon, he was a force to be reckoned with, a sensational player who was comfortable and self-assured.  Of course, moving to a new country and away from friends and family would affect anyone's confidence.  And now...

It is with cheers that he is received.  Madridistas have fallen in love with Benzema.  And why wouldn't they?  The 23-year-old has enjoyed a successful 2011, ending his 10/11 season with 26 goals.  He did well during the 2011 preseason matches, scoring 8 goals in 7 games.  And with the 11/12 season underway, he already has scored 8 goals in La Liga, the most recent of which against Barcelona just after 23 seconds, the quickest El Clásico goal in history.  Looks like Benzema got his groove back, no?

The forward now joins past winners of the award, such as Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.  I expect nothing but great things for Karim Benzema in the future.  Felicidades, crack.  Well deserved honor, well deserved honor indeed.

written by Gail Hidalgo