THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PARIS — Lyon striker Karim Benzema was named the French league’s Player of the Year on Sunday by his fellow professionals.
The 20-year-old Benzema has scored a league-leading 17 goals this season and 30 in all competitions to make himself a sure pick for France coach Raymond Domenech ahead of next month’s European Championship.
“Without the whole team and the faith of the president and coach I could not have won this,” Benzema said. “It has been a super season for me.”
Benzema made a huge impression in this season’s Champions League, notably with a stunning goal against Manchester United in the second round.
Benzema follows former teammate Florent Malouda, who won it last year and now plays for Chelsea.
Despite interest from several of Europe’s leading clubs, including United, Benzema promised he will stay at least another season at Lyon, which can win its seventh consecutive French title next weekend.
“I signed a new contract at Lyon,” said Benzema, whose deal runs through 2013. “I’m happy at Lyon.”
Lyon teammate Hatem Ben Arfa was voted Young Player of the Year, and Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc won the best manager award.
Blanc, a former France defender, has taken Bordeaux within two points of Lyon with one game to go in his inaugural season as coach.