2022 Ballon d’Or Award goes to Benzema

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For the first time in his career, Karim Benzema has won the Ballon d’Or.

Since 2008, the Frenchman is the only other winner of the award besides Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 2018’s winner was Luka Modric, Benzema’s Real Madrid teammate.

Kevin de Bruyne, a midfielder for Manchester City, placed third, followed by Sadio Mane, who transferred from Liverpool to Bayern Munich last summer.

In the voting, Robert Lewandowski, who was largely expected to be among the front-runners for the award, finished fourth.

When I wasn’t a member of the French squad, it was challenging, but Benzema remarked last night on stage that he never stopped trying or gave up.

Really proud of my progress to this point. It was challenging and not at all easy. I’m thrilled to be here for the first time today and am proud of my work, therefore I want to keep continuing.

“I want to thank all my Real Madrid teammates and my French teammates, as well as my coach, the Real Madrid president here this evening, and Jean-Michel Aulas’ encouragement (Lyon president).

“Many individuals deserve our gratitude. Because of everyone who contributed, even if it is an individual award, it is still a communal one.

Since Stanley Matthews in 1956, Benzema, 34, is the oldest Ballon d’Or winner.

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