Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has vented his frustration after Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema beat him to the 2022 men's Ballon d'Or award. Lionel Messi, as well as many Blues players, were snubbed for the award and finished outside the top-25.
Only Harry Kane and Son Heung-min represented London clubs, with several players from Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool rubbing shoulders with the world's best. Just one other goalkeeper, AC Milan's Mike Maignan, was named inside the top-25 of the Ballon d'Or shortlist alongside Courtois, who placed seventh.
The Belgium international played an integral role in Real Madrid's success last season, winning La Liga, the Supercopa de España and the Champions League. And, while Courtois impressed across the board, it was in the latter competition where he proved that he's worthy of the 2022 Yashin Trophy - an award which honours the best performing goalkeeper.
