Benzema Steals The Show
It has been clear for some time now this would be Benzema’s year to lift football’s most prestigious individual award, and the moment did not disappoint. Benzema’s performances over the past 12 months have captured the hearts and minds of football fans around the globe, and the Los Blancos star matched these legendary performances with what matters; trophies. Leading Real Madrid to the La Liga and Champions League titles, finishing as the top scorer in both competitions, led there to be no question Benzema’s name would be etched into the Mount Rushmore of Ballon d'Or winners. Becoming the second oldest footballer to win the award at 34, Benzema’s 21-22 season will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest individual seasons we have seen to date.
Thibaut’s Troubles
Most could only ever dream of finishing in the top ten of the Ballon d'Or, and despite Courtois claiming the Lev Yashin trophy on Monday evening, the Belgian number one went home feeling frustrated at his seventh-place finish, later stating that “I see the award as impossible to win”. The Real Madrid star enjoyed a stellar season in Spain, playing a pivotal role in Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League title wins, putting on a MOTM performance in the UCL final. Having only had one shot-stopping winner of the coveted trophy in its history, Lev Yashin in 1963, the Ballon d'Or has copped criticism for being monopolised by midfielders and forwards. Manuel Neur echoed Courtois’ frustrations after his third-place finish in 2014, claiming that “After the games, the main things they show are the goals and assists”, adding that “Spectators don’t tend to remember that the goalkeeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk.” After decades of domination from the forward areas of the pitch, it begs the question; What more can a goalkeeper do to win the Ballon d'Or, or has it become a lost cause for this position?
Super-Mead Sees Second
Bringing it home this summer, the Lionesses united the nation and cemented their names in English football history – with Beth Mead leading the way. Capping off a clinical season in the WSL for Arsenal, which saw her register eleven goals and eight assists, Mead brought home the golden boot and player of the tournament at Euro 22, along with the trophy itself. After narrowly missing out on the WSL title by one point to London rivals Chelsea, Mead put the Lionesses on her shoulders, delivering England their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Coming second to now record two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, Mead’s 21-22 season is sure to be remembered and serve as inspiration for any aspiring footballer.