Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema, has won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award after his stellar 2021/22 season.
Club teammate, Thibaut Courtois, who was named man of the match for his heroics in May’s Champions League final win over Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, were named on the final shortlist. But the gong was awarded to Benzema at the draw for the 2022/23 Champions League group stage in Istanbul yesterday.
The France international led Los Blancos to their 14th Champions League title, popping up with big goals at vital moments in knockout round ties with PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City when his team needed him most.
UEFA Men’s Player of the Year With UEFA’s top prize now in his possession, his sights will now be set on claiming the Ballon d’Or in October.
Benzema is widely expected to become the first Frenchman since Zinedine Zidane to take home the award.
England manager Sarina Wiegman has been named women’s Uefa Coach of the Year 2021-22 after leading the Lionesses to a historic victory at the Euros.
Following Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double last season, Carlo Ancelotti was named the men’s Coach of the Year.
Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s Player of the Year award for a consecutive year.
Wiegman beat Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor, who guided the French side to their eighth Champions League title, and Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg to the women’s Coach of the Year award after leading England to their first major tournament success since the 1966 men’s World Cup.