Courtois deserves Ballon d’Or over Benzema – Fabregas
FT Desk
- Updated: 29 May 2022 18:48 BST
- 3 min read
Cesc Fabregas believes that Thibaut Courtois deserves to win the Ballon d’Or following his brilliant performance in the Champions League final.
Real Madrid won Europe’s premier club competition 1-0 on Saturday at the Stade de France thanks to a second-half goal from Vinicius Junior.
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However, there was no doubt that Courtois was the man-of-the-match after a sensational goalkeeping performance.
The Belgium number one pulled off a strong of superb stops from the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to win his side the cup.
Ahead of the game, most experts believed that Karim Benzema was certain to win the Ballon d’Or if Real Madrid won the Champions League.
But Fabregas now is of the opinion that Courtois deserves the award.
"Not a big fan of individual trophies like that but surely the Ballon d'Or could/should be decided tonight? Mane? Salah? Benzema?,” Fabregas tweeted before the game.
The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder then sent a new tweet at full-time making it clear who has his vote now: "I would add and most probably give it to Courtois. Insane season," added Fabregas.
I would add and most probably give it to Cortouis. Insane season. https://t.co/CcoCGwytif
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) May 28, 2022
Real Madrid have enjoyed an almost-perfect season, also winning the La Liga title in Spain.
Courtois has been widely recognised as the best goalkeeper in Europe this campaign.
"I said to my friends yesterday that when Real Madrid play finals they win it. I am on the good side of history,” Courtois told BT Sport after the game against Liverpool.
"Today I needed to win a final for my career, for all the hard work to put respect on my name because I don't think I have enough respect, especially in England."
It won’t be easy to win the Ballon d’Or for Courtois as only one goalkeeper has ever claimed the prize; Lev Yashin back in 1963.
