The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner won’t be known until October 17, but many agree that Karim Benzema should receive the prize. In fact, another candidate who is expected to get a lot of votes said the Real Madrid star deserves the award.
Ballon d’Or 2022 will be like no other. Not only because it will take into account the club season rather than the calendar year, but also because it is the first time in years that everyone seems to agree on who should win the award: Karim Benzema.
In previous editions, the debate was much bigger. Last year, for example, the ceremony was preceded by weeks of speculation and leaks that went viral on the Internet. Even after the gala, the debate continued as Lionel Messi’s triumph over Robert Lewandowski sparked controversy.
But this year Benzema looks the undisputed front-runner after a fantastic season in which he scored an impressive 44 goals in 46 games – playing a key role in Real Madrid’s double. Even Benzema’s rivals admit he deserves the Ballon d’Or.
Karim Benzema deserves 2022 Ballon d’Or, strong competitor says
Although all the results leaked on social media so far show Benzema as a comfortable winner, they have Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane in second place. However, the Senegalese star believes Benzema has to be the winner.
“Honestly, I believe Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year. And I’m very happy for him. He had a great season with Real Madrid, he even won the Champions League,” Mane told reporters after Bayern’s UCL win over Viktoria Plzen.
“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations took a huge weight off our shoulders, for me and my country. It’s something I’m extremely proud of. But I stand by it, I think Karim deserves the award more, I honestly do. ”
Mane also had a great year, leading his country to continental glory and also helping them secure a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup for Qatar. In addition, he scored 16 goals in 34 Premier League appearances for Liverpool before leaving for Bayern. Still, Benzema was by far the most impressive player of the season.
