Karim Benzema Wins Ballon d'Or

 

Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema has been crowned the Ballon d'Or winner and the first time for a French player since 1998. 

The award was presented to the player, who is also the 2021/22 Fifa men's best player of the year by his countryman and former Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, who was the last French player to win the award in 1998. 

"This prize in front of me makes me really proud," said the 34-year-old. " I'm really proud of my journey here. it wasn't easy, it was a difficult time for my family as well."

Amongst players that contended for the prestigious award was Senegalese forward and Bayern Munich player, Sadio Mane - he joined the German side in summer from Liverpool - and he was the runner-up to Benzema while Manchester City attacking midfielder Kevin de Bruyne followed in third.