Karim Benzema Wins First Ballon D'Or - Full List Of Rankings

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Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema today won his first Ballon d’Or.

He beat competition from Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne who came second and third respectively.

Karim Benzema was instrumental in Real Madrid’s winning La Liga and the Champions League.

Receiving the coveted award at the Paris’ Theatre Du Chatelet on Monday night, Karim Benzema said:

‘To see this prize in front of me makes me proud. It was a childhood dream for me and with all the work I have done, I never gave up.“

‘I always had in my mind that anything was possible, when I was not in the France team I never stopped working hard.“

‘I am proud of my journey here. It was not easy, it was a difficult time and also for my family as well. To be standing here today for the first time, I am happy with my work and will keep going.“

Here is the image you've all been waiting for! Karim Benzema! #ballondor with @adidasFR pic.twitter.com/TJze0Km1s6
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) October 17, 2022