Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema was crowned as the best player of the year as he lifted the 2022 Ballon d’Or. The 34-year-old was the most deserving of the 30 shortlisted candidates after his 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games last season steered the Los Blancos to the Champions League, La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles. His two goals across the semi-finals and the finals of the UEFA Nations League for France which saw them lift the continental trophy last year also played a major role in his Ballon d’Or triumph.
The striker gave a glaring acceptance speech after beating close competitors Sadio Mane and Kevin de Bruyne who came second and third respectively to the award. Benzema had special praise for his ‘idol’ Ronaldo Nazario in his speech; another Real Madrid legend who lifted the Ballon d’Or twice in his career. The World Cup winner was an unstoppable force back in the day as he racked up 295 goals in his senior playing career, out of which 103 came during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.
Karim Benzema humble as always after lifting the Ballon d’Or for the first time
Karim Benzema was fire on the pitch last season as conquered Europe with Real Madrid for the fifth time. His heroics in the Champions League saw him score 15 goals in just 12 games out of which 10 came against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City in the round of 16, quarterfinals and semifinals respectively. Another 27 of his goals in the La Liga meant the Los Blancos clinched their second league title in three years.
The Frenchman on the back of his exploits graced the red carpet of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, starting as the hot favourite. His former manager Zinedine Zidane was on the podium to announce the winner as he called on his fellow countryman to collect only his second individual award after the UEFA Best Player which he won. The France forward in his speech thanked him club as well as national teammates, and also lavished praise on his idols. Benzema said:
“I’m proud, this is a childhood dream. I grew up with this in my head, then I had the motivation. I had two role models in life: Zizou [Zidane] and Ronaldo [Nazario]. I’ve never lowered my efforts and I’ve kept the dream in my head, even through a period in which I was not in the national team. But I did not lower my efforts and it worked. It has been difficult and this only made me stronger mentally. I am satisfied with my work and I am very happy. I thank my teammates at Real Madrid and the national team.”
Benzema further opened up about his exile from the France national team for six years over a blackmail scandal. He finally returned to the fold as coach Didier Deschamps called him up for the first time last year since the 2014 World Cup. He has since played 16 games and scored an impressive 10 goals as he looks to help his country defend their 2018 title in Qatar this year. Benzema continued:
“My goal is to continue to enjoy playing football, to score and make my team mates score. The World Cup is the next challenge. Revenge [for not being included in the national team] doesn’t help you grow. I don’t want to dwell on my failures. They just give me more mental strength. I have no regrets. What happened, happened, but what matters is what is happening today.”
Karim Benzema is now geared to participate in only his second World Cup tournament after 2014 edition. He is warming up well for the showdown, recently netting against Barcelona in the El Clasico to take his tally for the season so far to 5 goals in 9 games.