BALLON D’OR 2022: Karim Benzema Wins Ballon D’or, Sadio Mane Second
Karim Benzema has become the fifth Frenchman to win the coveted Ballon d’Or prize
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has won his first ever career Ballon d’Or at 34. The red-hot favourite claimed the coveted prize at the Theatre du Chalet in Paris.
On the other hand, Liverpool striker and Senegalese star, Sadio Mané settled on the second position. While Kevin De Bruyne was ranked third. It was a big win for Africa as Sadio Mane won the inaugural Socrates award for his solidarity and philanthropic works in his country.
Speaking after winning the award, Benzema said:
“To see this prize in front of me makes me really proud. It was a childhood dream for me and all the work I have done, I never gave up”.
Karim Benzema winning the Ballon d’Or, makes him the fifth Frenchman to win the award. Also, winning at 34 years old makes him the oldest winner since Stanley Matthews in 1956.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas grabbed the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the second year running.
Congratulations to Benzema and Mane.
