Wayne Lumbasi
Karim Benzema, a striker for Real Madrid, has earned the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year honor after his outstanding 2021–2022 campaign. He edged out teammate Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne as the finalists for the award.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti also was feted 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.
Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 games for Real Madrid in all competitions last season, forming a formidable forward partnership with the once-derided Vinicius Junior.
The France international helped Los Blancos win their 14th Champions League championship by scoring key goals when his side most needed them during crucial knockout round matches against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
In addition, Benzema was instrumental in Real Madrid’s victory against rival Atletico Madrid for the La Liga championship.
Now that he has the UEFA championship trophy, he will focus on winning the Ballon d’Or in October.
