Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been named winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or at the 66th award ceremony held tonight at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.

Benzema, who has been fantastic for both club and country in the past 12 months, beat the likes of Sadio Mane, Robert Lewandowski and Kevin De Bruyne to clinch the most-coveted honour in football.

What made this year’s ceremony unique is that for the very first time, the awards will be handed out based on a season, rather than the calendar year.

The former Lyon player was the favourite to win the award on the night after his exploits in the past season.

The 34-year-old played an important role in Los Blancos’ campaign last season. He scored 44 goals in 46 games to help Madrid win the La Liga title, Champions League.

In the past 12 months, he’s also won the Supercopa de Espana, UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Nations League with the France national team to emerge the winner for the first time in his career.

Meanwhile, Barcelona Femení’s Alexia Putellas was named the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive time, and Sadio Mane won the maiden Scorates’ award for giving back to society.

Barcelona youngster Gavi won the Kopa trophy, Robert Lewandowski won the Gerd Müller award, an award given to best striker of the year with the most goals for both club and country in a single season.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was voted winner of the Yachine Trophy for being the best goalkeeper for the 2021/22 football season, while Manchester City won the Club Of The Year trophy.

However, the only Nigerian nominee in this year’s awards, Asisat Oshoala, finished as France football 16th best female footballer in the world following an impressive performance for Barcelona Femení last season.

She is the first African female footballer to achieve the feat.