On Monday night, Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema was announced as the winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or award.

The Frenchman admitted his career hasn’t always been easy after winning the prize for the first time.

Benzema also became the oldest player ever at 34 to win the Ballon d’Or.

“I always had this dream in my mind that everything was possible."

“There was a difficult period where I wasn’t in the French team, but I worked hard and never gave up, kept my head down and enjoyed playing football."

“People play until their later years now, and I still have this burning desire."

“It is this drive that has kept me going and never allowed me to let up. I just want to make the most of it,” Benzema said.

Benzema netted 44 times in 46 appearances as Los Blancos lifted both the LaLiga title and the Champions League trophy.