Karim Benzema has been named Ballon d’Or winner for 2022. The France international scored 44-goal in 2021-22 campaign, helping Los Blancos to win La Liga and Champions League titles.

"Seeing this award in front of me makes me really proud of the work I have done, - said Benzema. - It was childhood dream, to have the motivation... I had two role models Zidane and Ronaldo and always I 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 or gave up.

"Really proud of my journey here. It wasn't easy it was difficult. To be here today for the first time, I am happy, pleased for my work and want to keep going.

"There are a lot of people to thank. It is an individual prize but still a collective one because of everyone who played a role in it."