Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane has declared Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema deserves the Ballon d’Or.

Benzema played a key role as Real Madrid won the La Liga and Champions League last season, with the 34 year old striker scoring 15 goals in the Champions League in just 12 games and 27 La Liga goals in just 32 games.

Mane told Canal Plus: “Karim Benzema deserves the Ballon d’Or. I’m happy for him.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Benzema will start against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Ancelotti said: “[Karim Benzema] is very good. He will start tomorrow. His physical condition is very good.”