Karim Benzema has been named the winner of the Ballon d’Or award tonight in Paris, France for the best men’s player of 2022.
The 34-year-old France and Real Madrid striker is winning the prestigious award for the first time after leading the Spanish club to the La Liga and UEFA Champions League double last season, scoring 50 goals in 56 appearances.
Benzema, who finished fourth last year, won the prize ahead of Senegal’s Sadio Mane in second place and Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne in third spot, while five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo was a distant 20th.
Robert Lewandowski of Poland and Barcelona and Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah completed the top five.
Last year’s winner Lionel Messi, who has won the award a record seven times, was not even in the top 30.
Lewandowski also won the Gerd Muller award for the best striker.
Barcelona and Spain star Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, retaining it from last year and becoming the first player ever to win it back-to-back.
Putellas’ Barcelona teammate and Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala finished 16th in the rankings, making her the only African in the women’s top 20.
The only African to win an award in Paris tonight was Bayern Munich forward Mane, who was presented with the inaugural Socrates prize for the best social initiative.
Benzema’s Real Madrid teammate Thibaut Courtois won the Yachine Trophy for the Best Goalkeeper, while Barcelona teenager Gavi claimed the Kopa Trophy for the best young player ahead of Real Madrid’s Edouard Camavinga and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.
Premier League champions Manchester City won the 2022 Club of the Year prize, awarded to the team with the most Ballon d’Or nominees.
