By: Henrietta Afful
Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for 2022.
It is the first Ballon d’Or for the striker who also is the ‘oldest’ winner since Stanley Matthews won the first edition of the prize in 1956.
Benzema was crowned at a ceremony held on Monday, October 17, 2022 in Paris.
Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane came in 2nd and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne was 3rd. Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski took the 4th position with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah clinching the 5th position.
In brief remark after winning the award, the Striker said he feels proud to have won.
“It makes me really proud…All the work I did, I never gave up. It was a childhood dream like all kids [have]. I had two motivations in my life – Zidane and Ronaldo. I’ve always had this dream in my mind that anything is possible” Benzema said
He thanked his team mates and coach for their support.
“I want to thank my team-mates, whether it’s Real Madrid or the national team. My coach, thanks to him as well. The Real Madrid president as well” he said.
The 34-year-old managed 44 goals in 46 matches last season and his goals, helped Real Madrid win the Champions League last season.
Complete List of winners from the 66th Ballon d’Or ceremony
- Ballon d’Or: Karim Benzema (France, Real Madrid)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Yashin Trophy: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium, Real Madrid)
- Kopa Trophy: Gavi (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Gerd Müller award: Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Bayern Munich/FC Barcelona)
- Socrates Prize: Sadio Mané (Senegal, Liverpool/Bayern Munich)
- Club of the Year: Manchester City (England)
Watch excerpts of the ceremony in the video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9orjLik6oc4
Here is the image you’ve all been waiting for! Karim Benzema! #ballondor with @adidasFR pic.twitter.com/TJze0Km1s6
— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@francefootball) October 17, 2022
