The 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony was not only the 66th edition, but a historic first given the award was shown to a player based on results from the European calendar season, instead of a standard calendar year.
The event featured a first-time winner for the men’s award going to Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema. The Frenchman enjoyed a strong season and was the top vote-getter after guiding Los Blancos to La Liga and Champions League glory. Former Liverpool star Sadio Mané finished second.
