Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema Wins Ballon d’Or

 

 

Karim Benzema, a forward for Real Madrid and France, has won the Ballon d’Or, which is given to the year’s top footballer, for the first time.

In 46 games, Benzema scored 44 goals, helping Real Madrid win the Champions League and La Liga in 2021–22.

 

Twelve of the previous thirteen awards had been won by Lionel Messi (seven) and Cristiano Ronaldo (five).

Sadio Mane of Bayern Munich, who played for Liverpool in 2021–2022, finished ahead of Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City.

Alexia Putellas of Barcelona continued to hold the Women’s Ballon d’Or, which was given to the top female player of 2022.

Beth Mead, an Arsenal forward and champion of the Euro 2022, came in second.

Liverpool lost out on Club of the Year to Premier League champion Manchester City, who had six candidates at the presentation.

 

The winner of the Ballon d’Or is chosen based on their performance during the 2021–22 season.

 

At the ceremony on Monday in Paris, French Formula One driver Esteban Ocon arrived in a racing car with the Ballon d’Or trophy.

Since Zinedine Zidane in 1998, Benzema became the first Frenchman to get the prestigious honor. To award his countryman with the prize, Zidane attended the occasion.

 

“This prize in front of me makes me really proud,” said Benzema. “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.”