Karim Benzema, a forward for Real Madrid and France, has been named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for 2021–2022.
The 34-year-old defeated Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City in the race. Last season, the player led Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title and assisted France in winning the UEFA Nations League.
“I’m really happy,” he said as he collected his award. “It’s the first time I’ve won this trophy but for me the most important thing is to win trophies with the team. Mr Ancelotti is the best coach in the world; he gets it right with every player, he gives us confidence and he tells you what to do before every match.”
The award was presented in Istanbul at the group stage draw of the UEFA Champions League for 2022–2023.
The top ten
1 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid & France) – 523 points
2 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City & Belgium) – 122 points
3 Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid & Belgium) – 118 points
4 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern, now Barcelona & Poland) – 54 points
5 Luka Modrić (Real Madrid & Croatia) – 52 points
6 Sadio Mané (Liverpool, now Bayern & Senegal) – 51 points
7 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt) – 46 points
8 Kylian Mbappé (Paris & France) – 25 points
9 Vinícius Junior (Real Madrid & Brazil) – 21 points
10 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool & Netherlands) – 19 points