French soccer player, Karim Benzema won his first-ever Ballon d’Or award, as he paid tribute to his favorite rapper Tupac Shakur.
Châtelet Theater in Paris, was host to the Ballon d’Or 2022. The evening was capped off with 32-year-old Frenchman, Karim Benzema winning his first Ballon d’Or award.
Many were not surprised, as the french soccer star scored 44 goals in 46 games for Real Madrid last season. He beat Sadio Mane, Kevin De Bruyne and Robert Lewandowski to the award which was handed to him by Zinedine Zidane, who won the award back in 1998.
“This is a childhood dream. My journey was not easy. It was difficult for me and my family. To be here today for the first time, I am happy with my work. I will keep going,” said Benzema in his acceptance speech.
Benzema also made sure to honor a piece of his childhood musical inspiration, Tupac Shakur. Back in 2017, Benzema spoke with Highsnobiety, where he was asked when he started listening to hip hop. “I must have been 7 years old or 8 years old. Yes, Tupac and all that,” Benzema said as he also named Tupac as his only favorite rapper growing up.
Benzema also stated hip hop inspired his dressing style. And from what the world saw on Monday (October 17), Benzema was clearly inspired by Tupac as he rocked a similar suit worn by Tupac back at the 1996 American Music Awards. The french player also wore round framed glasses like Shakur did on that night in Los Angeles 26-years ago.
