Karim Benzema has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for 2022 after an impressive year for Real Madrid, guiding them to success in La Liga and the Champions League.
The Frenchman scored 44 goals throughout last season – the best record of his career – and contributed heavily to domestic and continental successes.
Sadio Mane, who joined Bayern Munich from Liverpool in the summer came second, while Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne came third.
Benzema scored important goals in Champions League wins over Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City, becoming the top scorer of last season’s competition.
In La Liga, he won the Pichichi Award as well – given to the league’s top scorer – in what was his first such honour following a season where he netted 27 times.
Benzema claims first Ballon d'Or
Benzema was the favourite for the award for a long time following his impressive season, and he adds the Ballon d’Or to his earlier prize: the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, which he won in August.
The Frenchman has also started this campaign in fine form, netting five goals in 10 matches across all competitions, with his most recent goal being the opener against Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday.
With this win, Benzema becomes the fourth Frenchman to win the prestigious award, and the first since Zinedine Zidane in 1998. He follows Raymond Kopa and Michel Platini in winning the award.
He is also the eighth Real Madrid player to win football’s biggest individual prize – Los Blancos have hosted the most winners in history – and the first since Luka Modric in 2018.
Additionally, Benzema is the first forward not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d’Or since Andriy Shevchenko’s win in 2004, when the Ukrainian star was still at Milan.
Bandiken
922
congratulations Big Benz, ur face was printed on this Ballon d'or by God himself this year, we Madrid fans are soooo proud of you
FrankUtd
472
How can I explain to my kids that Big Benz won the Ballon d’Or before Lewandoski. This life you don’t force nature. whatever you are not destined for can’t get to you. Be humble, be smart, be hardworking, you might get there if you are destined for it
Gobzz
284
Me looking for the most competitive league 🧐
Laggos
254
Can we take a moment to apreciate this Man for puting Africa on!!! He finished 2nd, what an achievement 👏 Ladies and Gentleman, MAŃE!
Bruno512
245
Congrats 🎉
SaudHatiya
236
🔥🔥🔥 please madristas i want atleast 100 likes....hala madrid
JOEK
171
so nobody is talking about this man he was robbed 😂
Mithyguy
56
A great lesson here. Everyone has his own time. While some retired at 34, he reached the peak. You can still be want you wants to be, Age is just a number!
BryanEbohon
13
Me looking for the most competitive league 🧐
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everyone and their mama knows gavi didn't deserve the award. putellas is a female player and Benz/ courtouis are Madrid players that won the UCL not Barcelona. Madrid isn't the whole of la Liga but only Madrid are doing well to represent it
Micolu
12
Me looking for the most competitive league 🧐
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yet Manchester City was the club of the year
besacelmpy
10
Me looking for the most competitive league 🧐
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The most competitive league doesn't need awards. A true king doesn't announce he is king it is simply understood.
Djdopeklass
8
How can I explain to my kids that Big Benz won the Ballon d’Or before Lewandoski. This life you don’t force nature. whatever you are not destined for can’t get to you. Be humble, be smart, be hardworking, you might get there if you are destined for it
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You’re pathetic and without brain!!! He was the right winner in 2020 when the award was called off!
UyiGentle
8
Congratulations Big Benz!! Ballon dor : Benzema (Real Madrid👑) Female Balon dor :Alexia Putellas(Barca) Kopa Trophy: Gavi (Barca) Muller Trophy: Lewa(Barca) Yashin Courtois: Madrid) Coach of the season: Ancelotti(Madrid) Best league in the world according to Twitter and English pundits is PREMIER LEAGUE