Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema has been crowned world football’s best male player after winning the Ballon d’Or ahead of Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne.
The 34-year-old’s triumph is the first of his career and marks the real end of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s duopoly on the award.
For the first time, the Ballon d’Or was given based on the football season (August 2021 to July 2022) rather than the calendar year.
Messi, who won the gong in 2021, wasnt in the top 30, while Ronaldo came in at 20th.
Benzema is the first French winner of the award since Zinedine Zidane in 1998, having led Real to the Spanish La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles with 44 goals in 46 games. He also won the UEFA Nations League with France last year.
The Lyon-born forward netted hat-tricks in the Champions League knockout stages against both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
“It was childhood dream to win this. I had two role models in Zidane and Ronaldo and I always dreamed that anything is possible,” Benzema said.
“Im really proud of my journey as it wasnt easy. To be here today for the first time, Im happy and pleased my work has paid off.
“There are lots of people to thank. Its an individual prize, but also a collective one, because of everyone who played a role in it.”
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin from Beth Mead and Sam Kerr.
Barcelona’s Gavi won the Kopa Trophy and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois collected the Yashin Trophy.
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