Karim Benzema named UEFA Player of the Year for 2021-22 season

The French striker wins the prestigious award on the back of a wonderful season at Real Madrid.

Karim Benzema has claimed the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for performance during the 2021-22 season.

Benzema played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successful campaign. He edged out teammate Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne as the finalists for the award.

Benzema won his fifth Champions League title with Real Madrid last season, scoring in his side’s knock-out stage matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

Having scored 44 goals in his 46 games for the Blancos across all competitions, Benzema also played a key part in Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph.

Benzema is also the clear favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or in October.

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Benzema’s Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti won Men’s Coach of the Year.

After returning to Santiago Bernabeu from Everton, the legendary manager led his side to their 14th UCL title and the La Liga trophy.

UEFA awarded Women’s Player of the Year award to Alexia Putellas for the second time in a row.

Following another brilliant campaign at Barcelona, Putellas ousted competition from Beth Mead and Lena Oberdorf to claim the prize.

England manager Sarina Wiegman received the award for Women’s Coach of the Year.

A historic triumph in this year’s European Championship followed Wiegman’s appointment as the Lioness boss in September 2021.

Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and Lyon’s Sonia Bompastor were also nominated for their achievements in the Euro 2022 and the Champions League, respectively.