Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema has won the Ballon d’Or – awarded to the best footballer of the year – for the first time.
Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 games as he helped Real win the Champions League and La Liga in 2021-22.
Lionel Messi (seven) and Cristiano Ronaldo (five) had won the award on 12 of the previous 13 occasions.
Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas retained the Women’s Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best best female footballer of 2022.
England Euro 2022 winner and Arsenal forward Beth Mead was second.
Premier League champions Manchester City, who had six nominees at the ceremony, were awarded Club of the Year ahead of Liverpool.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best footballer of the year, based on performance over the 2021-22 season.
Benzema wins Ballon d’Or
Karim Mostafa Benzema (born 19 December 1987) is a French professional footballer who plays as a striker for and captainsLa Liga club Real Madrid, and the France national team. A creative and prolific forward, Benzema is often regarded as one of the best strikers of all time. He is Real Madrid’s all-time second highest goalscorer and top assist provider. Benzema has won 23 trophies with Real Madrid, including four La Liga, two Copa del Rey and five UEFA Champions League titles
-Benzema wins Ballon d’Or
