[Soccer News] Benzema wins Ballon d’Or as Putellas clinches women’s title

Real Madrid and France forward, Karim Benzema has emerged winner of the 2022 Ballon d'Or award given to the player considered as the best in the world in the year.

Benzema, who helped Real win the Champions League and La Liga last season, beat Kevin de Bruyne, Sadio Mane and Robert Lewandowski to the Ballon d'Or.

Lionel Messi, who was the holder of the title before tonight and is a seven-time winner, was not nominated for this year's award.

Meanwhile, Barcelona Ladies forward Alexis Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or award for consecutive times.

"Without my team-mates this would not have been possible. I want to thank the staff and the coach and everyone involved at Barcelona.

"I'm very happy to be back here and pleased because a year ago I was able to win this prize and it pushed me to want to be even better," she said.

Putellas was the top scorer as Barca reached the Women's Champions League final but is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.