Ballon d’Or 2022: Karim Benzema and Alexia Putellas win respective honours

After months of anticipation, Karim Benzema has finally won the 2022 Ballon d’Or. The French striker led the podium completed by Sadio Mane in second and Kevin De Bruyne in third. 

The Real Madrid number 9 was named the player of the tournament in last season’s Champions League as he guided the team to their 14th title. His performance in La Liga was also remarkable, as Madrid also lifted the league title to complete the double. 

Karim Benzema and Alexia Putellas win the Ballon d’Or 

Alexia Putellas became the first female footballer in history to win the Ballon d’Or for consecutive seasons. The Barcelona star finished ahead of England’s Beth Mead, who was the top scorer at the Euros, and won the trophy for her country and Sam Kerr of Chelsea. 

Putellas helped Barcelona femeni progress to the Champions League final, scoring 11 goals in 10 matches. In the league, she scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists as the team finished the season with a perfect record. 

Manchester City were named the club of the year, after having the most Ballon d’Or nominations, and winning the Premier League title. Barcelona’s Gavi picked up the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid won the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper. 

Robert Lewandowski was given the Gerd Muller Trophy for being the best striker of the year. And Sadio Mane was given the inaugural Socrates award for his humanitarian contribution outside of football.