BREAKING: Karim Benzema Wins 2022 Ballon d’Or  [Full List]

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has won 2022 Ballon d’Or award.

Infoexpert24 reports that this is Benzema’s first career Ballon d’Or, making him the second oldest player to win the award at age 34.

The Frenchman was rewarded for a magical 2021/22 season in which his team won both Spain’s La Liga and the UEFA Champions League and he finished as the top scorer in both competitions. He also won the UEFA Nations League with France.

For many it was a foregone conclusion that Benzema would win the award as best player in the world given there was realistically no other player who came close to his achievements.

Despite sitting out the last few months due to a knee injury, Barcelona star Alexia Putellas claimed her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or fighting back tears in her acceptance speech. She admitted she didn’t think the Ballon d’Or would have been possible after missing out on the Euros with Spain.

Another Barcelona player took the Under-21 Player of the Year as Gavi succeeded teammate Pedri for the award. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was named goalkeeper of the Year, taking the Yashin Trophy.

Manchester City claimed the Club of the Year, while Sadio Mane was recognized with the first Socrates Award honoring gestures of solidarity by players.

What are the Ballon d’Or awards?

There are a total of seven awards ws handed out on Monday. The Gerd Muller Trophy and Club of the Year were awarded for the first time in 2021.

• Men’s Ballon d’Or (Player of the Year)
• Women’s Ballon d’Or (Player of the Year): Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
• Kopa Trophy (Best Under-21 men’s player): Gavi (Barcelona)
• Yashin Trophy (Best men’s goalkeeper): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
• Gerd Muller Trophy (best striker): Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
• Socrates Award (recognizing player acts of solidarity): Sadio Mane (Bayern)
• Club of the Year (club with most Ballon d’Or nominees): Manchester City

Ballon d’Or final results (Men)

:Benzema wins