Karim Benzema wins 2022 Ballon d’Or

Karim Benzema has been named the winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or.

The France international was the clear favourite to take home the award, which was presented at a ceremony in Paris. He finished ahead of Sadio Mane and Kevin de Bruyne to lift the award, who finished in second and third place respectively, per the Athletic.

Benzema was presented the award on the night by his former manager and fellow countryman Zinedine Zidane. He is the fifth Frenchman to win the award and the first since Zidane in 1998.

He is only the second player other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to have won the award since 2008 with Luka Modric breaking the trend in 2018.

“This prize in front of me makes me really proud. When I was small it was a childhood dream, I never gave up, — anything is possible,” Benzema said on stage at the ceremony.

“There was a difficult period when I wasn’t in the French team but I never gave up. I’m really proud of my journey here. It wasn’t easy, it was a difficult time for my family as well.”

The 34-year-old forward has been named winner of the prestigious award for the first time in his career, having also never previously finished within the top three for the final shortlist.

It caps a historic season for Benzema, whose scintillating form guided Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double. He finished the formidable season with 44 goals in 46 games and topped goalscoring charts in both La Liga and the Champions League.

In particular, he gained widespread plaudits for his performances in the Champions League with hat-tricks in knockout matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. His match-winning performances continued as the stakes got higher, with Benzema scoring 10 goals in the Champions League knockout stages last season.

The Real forward was also impressed on the international stage. He managed six goals and an assist in 10 games for France last season, including the equaliser against Spain during their 2-1 victory to lift the UEFA Nations League trophy.

Meanwhile, on the night, Barcelona youngster Gavi lifted the Kopa Trophy as the best youngster talent, Alexia Putellas was crowned the Ballon d’Or Feminin (best female football player) winner and Manchester City was named Club of the Year.