OFFICIAL: Manchester City is the club of the year!

Manchester City have been named Club of the Year at the 2022 Ballon d'Or awards.

The prize, given out for the first time last year when Chelsea claimed it following their Champions League victory, rewards the club that has the most nominations across the men's and women's categories. City's collection of seven players - Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Lucy Bronze, and Ederson - up in three different categories is more than any other club, meaning they become the second recipients of the Club of the Year prize.

City's strength in numbers in the running for individual recognition in Europe highlights the progress they are making, although Champions League glory still eludes them. The men's team suffered an agonising semi-final defeat to Real Madrid, while the women's team fell at the first hurdle this season - also to Real Madrid - in a blow to Gareth Taylor's team.

“This is a proud day for Manchester City. To be named Club of the Year is an honour and further underlines the strength of this club across both men’s and women’s football," said CEO Ferran Soriano.

“We pride ourselves on playing beautiful football and winning matches. We are proud of the quality of the players and all the staff behind the scenes who help make us successful. This award is recognition of the hard work and dedication found in every department of our organisation.

“We will continue to strive for success but today I want everyone connected to Manchester City Football Club to take a step back and feel proud of all we achieved last season.”