Karim Benzema became the first French Ballon d'Or winner in 24 years as the Real Madrid striker was recognized for a dominant 2021-22 campaign.
This year's edition was the first time the awards were given based on the results of the previous season rather than for a calendar year, and Benzema's 44 goals (27 in La Liga and 17 in cup competitons) were enough to put the 34-year-old at the top of the list for men's players. Benzema led Real Madrid to titles in the Champions League and La Liga, and helped France qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup while also scoring and earning Man of the Match honours in a 2-1 UEFA Nations League final over Spain.
Meanwhile, the Ballon d'Or Feminin got its first repeat winner as Barcelona ace Alexia Putellas earned her second consecutive award. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals across all competitions as she led Barcelona to a quadruple (Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina and Supercopa de España).
Here is the full list of winners from Monday's ceremony, held in Paris.
2022 Ballon d'Or Awards
- Ballon d'Or: Karim Benzema
- Ballon d'Or Féminin: Alexia Putellas
- Club of the Year: Manchester City
- Yashin Trophy: Thibaut Courtois
- Gerd Müller Trophy: Robert Lewandowski
- Socrates Award: Sadio Mané
- Kopa Trophy: Gavi