Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane has claimed Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema 'easily deserves' to win this year's Ballon d'Or.
Mane and Benzema are among the nominees for the prestigious award, with the winner due to be announced at a glittering ceremony in Paris on October 17.
The Senegal forward, who joined the German giants from Liverpool for £35m in the summer, was full of praise for the Frenchman when he was asked about the Ballon d'Or following Bayern's thumping 5-0 win over Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.
Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane is among the nominees for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award
Benzema enjoyed a stellar campaign for Real last season as he helped guide the Spanish club to the Champions League and LaLiga titles.