Thibaut Courtois disappointed with Ballon d’Or 2022 ranking despite Yashin Trophy win

Thibaut Courtois has spoken out on his finish in the 2022 Ballon d’Or standings. The Belgian was ranked seventh, failing to secure a podium finish. He did, however, win the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the season. 

The top three consisted of former Liverpool and Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in second and third respectively. 

Thibaut Courtois disappointed on Ballon d’Or ranking 

The Real Madrid shotstopper spoke out on his ranking in the overall standings for the award, saying: 

“I see it impossible to win Ballon d’Or. For a goalkeeper, it is impossible to win this award. I don’t know if as a goalkeeper you can do more than I did last year.”

Thibaut Courtois made 56 saves in 13 Champions League games last season, with a record nine of them coming in the finals against Liverpool. He kept a clean sheet as the team won against Liverpool 1-0. 

Karim Benzema won the Ballon d’Or after scoring 44 goals and providing 15 assists in 46 games across all competitions. The Frenchman was the clear favourite to win the award, and went on to receive the award yesterday. 

The Yashin Trophy was probably introduced due to the observation that Courtois made. His contributions were vital to Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League success, but were not given the same amount of praise as Benzema’s.