Karim Benzema has been voted the best player on the planet after scooping FIFA 's prestigious Ballon d'or gong.
The French striker wowed at the weekend, scoring the opener as Real Madrid beat arch rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu to win El Clasico and move three points clear at the top of La Liga. After Barca striker Robert Lewandowski controversially missed out last year despite a red hot final campaign for Bayern Munich, the rules were changed so that a players' performances over the previous season, rather then the calendar year, were taken into account.
And it was an outstanding 2021/22 campaign for the 34-year-old Benzema. Real were Spanish champions, finishing 13 points clear of Barcelona. There was their now traditional success in Europe as well as they won the Champions League for a record 14th time. Benzema hit a stunning quarter-final hat-trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before grabbing the winner during extra-time of the second leg to send Los Merengues through to the last four.
He was at it again against Manchester City. He scored twice in a 4-3 first leg loss at the Etihad before Real stunned old foe Pep Guardiola with two stoppage time strikes to force extra-time. And Benzema was the man on the spot from 12 yards to send them through to the final, where a Vinicius Jr goal wa enough to see off Liverpool in Paris.
Benzema started the first game of this season's group stage against Celtic, but was forced off early with an injury. His teammates got the job done though, but only after the Hoops gave them a scare at parkhead before eventually going down 3-0.
Ange Postecoglou's team are due to face Benzema again in two weeks' time. The Scottish champions end their campaign in the Spanish capital although the final standings are likely to have been confirmed before then.
Other winners at tonight's star-studded UEFA ceremony included Barcelona starlet Gavi. The midfielder picked up the Kopa trophy as the world's best young player. Club colleague Putellas made it a double as she claimed her second Ball d'or Feminin award.
Sadio Mane's charitable exploits off the field were recognised as the former Liverpool man won the Socrates Award. Named after the Brazilian icon, it is awarded to the player who "aims to promote a safer, more equitable and inclusive world through sport." The Bayern Munich forward has given back to his community in his hometown of Bambali in Senegal, where he has helped build hospitals amongst other projects.
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