Karim Benzema appears to fire back at Cristiano Ronaldo after being snubbed by ex-Real Madrid team-mate in Kylian Mbappe duel

Ronaldo engaged in a "better player" challenge on his YouTube channel and ultimately picked new Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe over his former team-mate Benzema. The French striker appears to have responded with a recent post on Instagram showing off the Ballon d'Or trophy he won back in 2022. Mbappe is yet to pick up the prestigious trophy but is on the shortlist for this year's award.

Karim Benzema Instagram

Benzema and Ronaldo both signed for Real Madrid in 2009 and went on to win a host of titles together, including two La Liga trophies and four Champions League crowns before the Portugal superstar moved on to Juventus. Benzema went on to shine even brighter without Ronaldo in the team, culminating in his Ballon d'Or award. The two players both now ply their trade in the Saudi Pro League, with Benzema at Al-Ittihad and Ronaldo starring for Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo has also tipped Mbappe to "do well" at Madrid and potentially go on to win the Ballon d'Or during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. He said on his YouTube channel: "I think he will do well because of the structure of the club ... it's nice, it's good, it's solid. They have a great coach and the president who has been there for many many years. I think it won't be a big problem because of his talent. He has shown what he is capable of doing. In my opinion, he can be the next Golden Ball [Ballon d'Or] winner. Him, [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal]. I think this new generation, they have a lot of potential."

All three players will be back in action with their club sides this weekend after the latest international break. Benzema and Ronaldo are due to come up against each other in the Saudi Pro League in December.