Real Madrid’s Benzema wins Ballon d’Or for first time

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema won his first career Ballon d’Or on Monday, October 17, becoming the second oldest player to win the award at age 34 and the oldest since Englishman Stanley Matthews who won the very first award in 1956 at age 41.

READ ALSO: Karim Benzema wins UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award

The Frenchman was rewarded for a magical 2021/22 season in which his team won both Spain’s La Liga and the UEFA Champions League and he finished as the top scorer in both competitions. He also won the UEFA Nations League with France.

For many it was a foregone conclusion that Benzema would win the award as best player in the world given there was realistically no other player who came close to his achievements.

Despite sitting out the last few months due to a knee injury, Barcelona star Alexia Putellas claimed her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or fighting back tears in her acceptance speech. She admitted she didn’t think the Ballon d’Or would have been possible after missing out on the Euros with Spain.

Another Barcelona player took the Under-21 Player of the Year as Gavi succeeded teammate Pedri for the award.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was named goalkeeper of the Year, taking the Yashin Trophy.

Robert Lewandowski won the Gerd Muller’s award, while Manchester City won the club of the Year award.