This comes after the French striker, 34, claimed the 2022 Ballon d’Or award on Monday ahead of runner-up Sadio Mane and third-place finisher Kevin De Bruyne.

Benzema netted 44 goals for the Spanish giants last season, leading his side to Champions League and LaLiga glory.

Fellow France and Real Madrid legend Zidane, who presented the coveted trophy to Benzema at the ceremony, has now claimed that the forward is the best striker in the history of his country.

Zidane, who won trophy in 1998, told L’Equipe this week: ‘The best striker in the history of French football? Everyone has their favourite player. Some people will tell you it’s Jean-Pierre Papin with his exceptional goals, others will talk about Michel Platini. For me, it’s Karim, yes, because I’ve been around him and I know what he’s worth. In any case, he deserves to be very high. I wish him to continue for a long time to go for records and to shine on the field, with Real Madrid, and with the French team. He is capable of going even higher.’

After claiming the prestigious award, Benzema said: ‘This prize in front of me makes me really proud. When I was small, it was a childhood dream, I never gave up. Anything is possible. I’m really proud of my journey here. It wasn’t easy, it was a difficult time for my family as well.’

Zidane, who made his name as a player in the early 2000s and came back to win three champions league titles for Madrid as a coach told his players that he would not be coaching the team next season just before they clash with Sevilla last week.

The report says the Frenchman said he will walk away from the club at the end of the 2020-21 season, making it the second time he has resigned from the post, having previously quit following Madrid’s third consecutive Champions League triumph in 2018.

Madrid plays Athletic Club today, May 16, in La Liga and then conclude their season at home to Villarreal on May 23 which will be Zidane’s last two games in charge of the Blancos, according to the report.

The major reason given for his decision to quit is that Zidane is physically and mentally fatigued.

With his decision to resign, there are now rumours linking the Frenchman to a sensational return to Juventus where he made his name as a player.

The news came shortly before the coach was due to speak at his Friday press conference ahead of the weekend’s LaLiga Santander match against Alaves, which he won’t be available for.

The club confirmed this in a statement on their official website: “Real Madrid CF announces that our coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19.”

Real Madrid’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 are now in doubt after the match completed a shocking win for the Ukrainians over Madrid, weeks after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar.

Zidane could be asked by the Madrid hierarchy if results don’t improve with Madrid now having lost three of their last five matches. But he has bullishly said he will not be stepping down.

He said “I am not going to resign – not at all,” he said following Tuesday’s defeat.“We have always had delicate moments. It is true that it is a bad streak in terms of results, but we must continue. Today was a final, we prepared very well, but we know there is a game to go and we have to win and that’s it. I believe in the players and of course, I have strength. The other day against Alaves we did not deserve to win but today we did. There is no choice but to work and continue so that the good results return. It is a difficult moment but I am convinced that we are going to bring out our character because we have to win the next game. I am convinced that we can do it”