Karim Benzema has been awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
After leading Real Madrid to another La Liga and Champions League double, the experienced France striker was an overwhelming favourite to pick up the coveted award for the first time at the glittering Paris ceremony, which was staged at Theatre du Chalet. It proved to be the case as he won the award.
Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne completed the top three, while Manchester City striker Erling Haaland also found himself in the top 10 rankings.
Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was, meanwhile, placed 20th and Old Trafford teammate Casemiro tied for 17th following his summer move to the club from Madrid.
City was well-represented at the ceremony as six players found themselves nominated after Pep Guardiola and his star-studded side won yet another Premier League title last season. Of course, they were defeated by Benzema and his Real teammates in their elusive quest for European honours.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were among three players tied for 22nd and Portugal defender Joao Cancelo handed two votes to finish 25th in the rankings. Riyad Mahrez (12th) narrowly missed out on the top 10 as De Bruyne and his new teammate Haaland went on to head up the City representation.
Haaland broke through into the top 10 and the Norway sensation will almost certainly be in the reckoning in future years. But for now, centre stage at the Etihad Stadium goes to De Bruyne after the Belgium playmaker was placed in third behind Benzema and Mane.