On the same evening that UEFA announced the 2022/23 Champions League group stage draw, they also gave out their yearly awards. The best players of the year, and the best coach have been announced for the 21/22 season, and here are the winners.
UEFA Men’s Player of the Year: Karim Benzema
The Real Madrid striker was in a league of his own this past year. He scored 44 goals in 46 games, and helped his side to not only the La Liga title, but also their 14th Champions League. His first header against Chelsea was named the goal of the season, in what has been a sensational campaign.
The Madrid skipper is also expected to win the Ballon d’Or in October, following the change in evaluation procedures.
UEFA Women’s Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas
Putellas has won the award for a second year running, and also won the Ballon d’Or last year. She suffered an ACL injury at the end of the Euros, and is out of action for the foreseeable future. But, her contributions to Barcelona’s dominant domestic season have been sensational to say the least. She scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists as the Blaugranes finished the season winning every single game.
UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti
Don Carlo was simply outstanding this past season, and has brought out Real Madrid’s best attacking display once again. His biggest achievement, though, is turning Vinicius Jr into the best left-winger in the world right now. The Brazilian was one of the stars in the team alongside Benzema, as Los Blancos capped off another successful season. And with his smart man management and dedicated tactics, Ancelotti has gone up against the best (Tuchel, Guardiola, Klopp, Pochettino) and defeated them to win the Champions League.
UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman
After leading England to their first major title in over half a century, Sarina Wiegman has been named the best women’s coach. She is yet to lose a game with the England women’s national team, with 18 wins and two draws. And after beating Germany at Wembley Stadium, she has truly earned the honour of being called the coach of the year.
