Real Madrid’s striker Karim Benzema capped off a stellar 2021-22 season by winning the Ballon d’Or honors on Monday night. This is the first time Benzema has received this prestigious award, which is given annually to the best soccer player in the world in the past season.
Benzema had a career season in 2021-22, scoring 44 goals and dishing 15 assists in 46 matches in all competitions. His impressive performances helped Real win La Liga and finished victorious in UEFA Champions League.
“I’m really proud seeing this prize, it’s been my dream since I was a kid. I grew up with this in my head, and after that I had the motivation,” Benzema said after receiving the award. “… It’s a lot of work; I never gave up and I kept that dream in my head. Anything is possible.”
Benzema edged out Bayern Munich’s forward Sadio Mane and Manchester City’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who finished second and third in the voting. Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the award five times, finished 20th, while Lionel Messi, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, didn’t even make the cut.
Ballon d’Or awards also honored other top soccer players in the world. The 2022 Women’s Ballon d’Or was awarded to Barca’s Alexia Putellas.
Barcelona’s midfielder Gavi won the 2022 Kopa Trophy, given to the best U-21 player in the world.
Finally, Real’s Thibaut Curtious was recognized as the world’s best goalkeeper and given the 2022 Yachine Trophy.
