It’s been the worst kept secret in football for months, but finally it’s official – Karim Benzema is the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner. The Real Madrid striker picked up the Golden Ball at the annual ceremony in Paris following his superb 2021-22 season for both club and country.
Benzema’s was rewarded for the lead role he played in Madrid winning both the Champions League and La Liga, while he also lifted the Nations League trophy with France back in October 2021.
Benzema, though, was just one of 30 nominees for the most prestigious individual award in world football, and France Football has revealed the final standings of where all 30 ranked after the final voting.
3. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
De Bruyne bubbled along nicely through the first half of the season before exploding during the run in as he scored a number of crucial goals in both the Premier League and Champions League for City.
2. Sadio Mane – Bayern Munich
Mane’s final season at Liverpool started slowly but he was back to his best after guiding Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations glory in January as he provided plenty of memorable moments for Reds supporters.
1. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
A truly remarkable season from Benzema, who netted over 40 goals for club and country while providing a series of assists as he picked up winners’ medals in the Champions League, La Liga and UEFA Nations League.
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