KARIM BENZEMA WINS BALLON D’OR AS MANE, DE BRUYNE CLAIMS SECOND AND THIRD RESPECTIVELY
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for 2022.
The 34-year-old managed 44 goals in 46 matches last season as Real won the Champions League, another LaLiga title along with the Spanish and European Super Cups.
Benzema won the Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in Paris, beating Sadio Mane who came second and Kevin De Bruyne who came third. He is the first Frenchman to win the trophy since Zinedine Zidane did it in 1998.
The striker is also the oldest Ballon D’Or winner since Stanley Matthews won the first edition of the prize in 1956.
“It makes me really proud,” said Benzema. “All the work I did, I never gave up. It was a childhood dream like all kids [have]. I had two motivations in my life – Zidane and Ronaldo. I’ve always had this dream in my mind that anything is possible.
“There was a difficult period where I wasn’t in the French team, but I never stopped working hard nor gave up. I always kept my head, concentrated on playing football and I’m really proud of my journey here. It wasn’t easy, it was a difficult time. It was hard for my family as well. To be here today, for the first time for me, I’m happy and pleased with my work and I keep going.
More Stories
ICPC WARNS CORPS MEMBERS AGAINST CORRUPT PRACTICES
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has advised corps members in Osun to join the fight...
PRP WARNS NIGERIAN GOVT AGAINST ESTABLISHMENT OF U.S, FRANCE MILITARY BASES IN THE COUNTRY
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has opposed the relocation of United States and French military bases to Nigeria, warning of...
OSIMHEN TO EARN €125k IN NAPOLI’S CLASH AGAINST UDINESE
Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor James Osimhen, could receive up to 187 million naira in his club’s clash against...
BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE: POLICE DISMISS INSPECTOR FOR STRUGGLING ‘BABE’ WITH DPO
By Aishat Momoh. O. A peculiar saga is unfolding at the Lagos State Police Command concerning the dismissal of two...
SUPER EAGLES: NFF TO MEET FINIDI TO ADDRESS CONTRACT DETAILS QUERY AMID EXTERNAL PRESSURE
The nature of Finidi George’s contract situation with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has drawn attention in the Nigerian football...
NIMET PREDICTS 3-DAY SUNSHINE, HAZINESS FROM MONDAY
From Monday through Wednesday, there should be sunlight and haziness nationwide, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Throughout the...