France Football presented the 66th annual Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday.
This year France Football introduced Socrates Award.
Real Madrid and France star forward Karim Benzema defeated Kevin De Bruyne, Sadio Mane and Robert Lewandowski to win his first-ever Ballon d’Or award, having guided his club to Champions League, Spanish Super Cup and La Liga glory in 2021-22.
Barcelona women’s midfielder, Alexia Putellas, made history by winning back-to-back women’s Ballon d’Or, having helped the Catalan giants to a domestic treble in 2021-22. She beat the likes of second-placed Beth Mead and third-placed Sam Kerr to the award.
Real Madrid and Belgium Thibaut Courtois claimed the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper.
Barcelona and Spain youngster Gavi, won the Kopa Trophy.
The first-ever Socrates Award was given to Senegal and Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane.
Finally, Lewandowski bagged the striker of the year award (Gerd Muller Trophy) for the second year in the running, while the Club of the Year award was given to Premier League champions Manchester City. Liverpool and Real Madrid finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Men’s Ballon d’Or award winner: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Women’s Ballon d’Or award winner: Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona Femeni)
Club of the Year award: Manchester City
Gerd Muller Award: Robert Lewandowski
Yachine Award: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Kopa Award: Gavi (FC Barcelona)
Socrates Award: Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich)
Picture Courtesy: AFP/FRANCK FIFE
