Sadio Mane of Liverpool, on the other hand, has stated that he would be pleased to see Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema win the Ballon d'Or later this year if one condition were met.

Following a fantastic season in which he led Real Madrid to another La Liga title and a 14th Champions League title, Benzema has emerged as a top contender for the Ballon d'Or.

His goals in the Champions League this season have already helped Real Madrid beat PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City, and a strong performance in tomorrow's final against Liverpool would solidify his standing as the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or in 2022.

But Mane, who has also been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year and also played a key role in Liverpool’s treble challenge and Senegal’s emotional maiden success at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), said Benzema should win the prestigious individual award only if Liverpool wins the Champions League on Saturday night in Paris.

Asked by Jamie Carragher for The Telegraph: “If we can sort it so that Karim Benzema gets the Ballon d’Or but you get the Champions League trophy, what would you say?"

“I would shake hands on that right now,” Mane replied, before adding, “But then I would say it would be even better if I took both the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or!”

He added, “Honestly, it has never been something that bothered me." My dream was always to win a trophy with my national team.

“We had never won the Afcon (African Cup of Nations) before this year. Diouf always said that if he had the choice, he would swap his two African Player of the Year awards for one African Nations Cup.

“That was always the most important trophy. But of course, you dream of the Ballon d’Or too. It would be a pleasure. ”