In a night of footballing excellence that will be remembered for generations, Karim Benzema has been crowned the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, cementing his status as one of the game’s modern greats. The Real Madrid striker’s extraordinary season propelled him to football’s most prestigious individual honor, marking a stunning culmination to a career filled with perseverance and world-class performances.
Benzema’s clinical finishing was instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph last season
The Journey to Glory
At 34 years old, Benzema has become the oldest recipient of the award since Stanley Matthews won the inaugural Ballon d’Or back in 1956. His remarkable 2021-2022 campaign saw him net 44 goals across 46 appearances, driving Real Madrid to an incredible quadruple of Champions League, LaLiga title, Spanish Super Cup, and European Super Cup victories.
“This achievement makes me incredibly proud,” Benzema shared during his emotional acceptance speech. “I never gave up on my childhood dream, even during the most challenging periods. Zidane and Ronaldo were my two main inspirations growing up, and to now join them in this exclusive club is truly special.”
The French striker’s reference to difficult times acknowledges his five-year exile from the national team between 2015 and 2020, making his comeback and subsequent success even more remarkable. “It was hard for my family too during those years,” he added. “To stand here today as a Ballon d’Or winner proves that with persistence and belief, anything is possible.”
Premier League Stars in the Rankings
While Benzema rightfully claimed the top spot, several Premier League talents featured prominently in the rankings. Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne earned a respectable third-place finish, establishing himself as the highest-ranked player currently competing in England’s top flight.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah captured fifth place, outperforming PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s Champions League hero Vinicius Junior. The Egyptian forward’s consistent excellence continues to earn him recognition among football’s elite.
In a surprising development, Cristiano Ronaldo finished in 20th position—his lowest Ballon d’Or placement since 2005. The Manchester United forward’s decline in ranking reflects a challenging period for both player and club.
Other notable Premier League inclusions featured Erling Haaland (10th), Heung-Min Son (11th), Riyad Mahrez (12th), and Virgil van Dijk (16th). The extensive representation from English clubs underscores the Premier League’s growing influence in world football.
Additional Awards and Recognition
The ceremony in Paris celebrated excellence across multiple categories, with several noteworthy achievements:
Manchester City were deservedly named Club of the Year after their domestic dominance
Manchester City received the Club of the Year award after securing their fourth Premier League title in five seasons. “While we haven’t yet conquered the Champions League, we take great pride in our collective approach and style of play,” commented De Bruyne while accepting the award on behalf of the club.
Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or, narrowly edging out England’s Beth Mead. In the young player categories, Barcelona midfielder Gavi won the Kopa Trophy for best player under 21, with England’s Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka finishing fourth and eighth respectively.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané received the inaugural Socrates Award for his humanitarian work in Senegal. “I’m truly honored to contribute to improving conditions for my people,” expressed the Bayern Munich winger.
Robert Lewandowski collected the Gerd Müller Trophy as the season’s best striker, while Thibaut Courtois earned the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper following his heroic Champions League final performance against Liverpool.
Jeetbuzz Analysis: What This Means for Football
According to Jeetbuzz football analyst Michael Thompson, “Benzema‘s victory represents a shift in how we evaluate individual excellence in football. His journey from controversial figure to undeniable leader showcases the power of resilience and continuous improvement.”
The comprehensive recognition of players across multiple leagues and positions demonstrates the evolving nature of individual awards in team sports. “The Ballon d’Or is increasingly considering leadership, big-game performances, and overall contribution beyond mere statistics,” Thompson added.
For Jeetbuzz followers, this year’s awards highlight the continued dominance of Real Madrid in European football while acknowledging the rising influence of Premier League talent. The distribution of awards across different leagues and positions provides fascinating insight into the current state of world football.
Complete Men’s Ballon d’Or Rankings
The full list of men’s Ballon d’Or rankings demonstrates the global nature of football excellence:
- Karim Benzema (Real Madrid and France)
- Sadio Mané (Liverpool/Bayern Munich and Senegal)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City and Belgium)
- Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Barcelona and Poland)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool and Egypt)
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain and France)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid and Belgium)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid and Brazil)
- Luka Modrić (Real Madrid and Croatia)
- Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund/Manchester City and Norway)
Benzema’s triumph represents more than individual brilliance—it celebrates a career of perseverance, leadership, and unforgettable moments. His journey from talented prospect to footballing royalty offers inspiration to aspiring players worldwide while reminding us that success often comes to those who persist through adversity.
What did you think of this year’s Ballon d’Or results? Do you agree with Benzema as the winner, or did another player deserve the top honor? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the Jeetbuzz community discussion about football’s most prestigious individual award!
