Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema outshined Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois to be crowned 2021-22 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
The forward was bestowed the title following the Champions League group-stage draw in Istanbul on Thursday
Benzema is the top scorer in the Champions League with 15 goals. In LaLiga last term, he aided Madrid to a famous double, netting 29 goals.
He has featured in 46 games in both the Champions League and LaLiga last term.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also was celebrated at the ceremony, beating Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp to be awarded the UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year Award.
But the headline prize was that handed out to Benzema, who will now be targeting the most notable individual prize in football.
The 34-year-old was named among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees earlier this month, with the long-time Madrid star seemingly the outstanding favourite.
Benzema scored 27 goals in 32 games as Madrid won LaLiga, and he also netted 15 in 12 Champions League outings en route to Los Blancos lifting their 14th European crown in Paris in May.
This year’s Ballon d’Or winner is due to be confirmed on October 17, with the mid-season World Cup resulting in an early announcement.
🆠A 5th #UCL title & top scorer with 15 goals.
Bravo, Karim Benzema ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘#UEFAawards || #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/mKERLBCoTp
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 25, 2022