We present to you via our website “Socccar Sport”:Ballon d’Or Rankings 2022 .
The 2022 Ballon d’Or saw an intense competition at the summit, with three outstanding stars shining brightest on the global stage.
Their remarkable displays in both domestic leagues and international tournaments set them apart from the rest of the contenders, with the final rankings reflecting their consistency, influence, and elite-level quality. Beyond statistics and trophies, what truly distinguished this trio was their ability to perform in crucial moments and lead their teams toward triumph.
Their influence extended well beyond personal brilliance, raising the bar for football excellence and leaving an enduring imprint on the history of the sport.
Who Was Crowned Ballon d’Or 2022 ?
The 2022 Ballon d’Or was awarded to Karim Benzema, the French striker and Real Madrid captain, crowning an unforgettable season. It was the first time in his career to win the prestigious prize, and he became the first French player to claim it since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.
Read also: Ballon d’Or 2021 Rankings Revealed
Karim Benzema Ballon d’Or Winner 2022– Why He Deserved It
Benzema’s victory was built on one of the most remarkable individual campaigns in recent football history:
Champions League Heroics: Benzema was the driving force behind Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph. He scored 15 goals in the tournament, including stunning hat-tricks against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and a decisive brace against Manchester City in the semifinals. His performances were not only prolific but came at the most critical moments.
La Liga Dominance: He also led Real Madrid to the La Liga title, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 27 goals, while providing assists and acting as the team’s creative hub in attack.
Leadership and Influence: Beyond the numbers, Benzema stepped into the leadership void at Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, guiding younger teammates and carrying the attack almost single-handedly at times.
Consistency Across the Season: Unlike many rivals who shone in bursts, Benzema maintained elite form from start to finish, making his case undeniable.
Comparison with Other Contenders
- One of his main competitors was Sadio Mané, who had a sensational year with Liverpool and Senegal. Mané won the Africa Cup of Nations, reached the Champions League final, and pushed Manchester City in the Premier League title race. However, Benzema’s individual brilliance and decisive goals on Europe’s biggest stage tilted the balance in his favor.
Ballon d’Or Rankings 2022: Top 10 Players
Here’s the full list of the Top 10 players in the Ballon d’Or 2022 Rankings Revealed, with their clubs, countries, and vote percentages:
| Order | Player | Position | Club | Nationality | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karim Benzema | FW | Real Madrid | France | 549 |
| 2 | Sadio Mane | FW | Liverpool / Bayern Munich | Senegal | 193 |
| 3 | Kevin De Bruyne | MF | Man City | Belgium | 175 |
| 4 | Robert Lewandowski | FW | Bayern Munich / Barcelona | Poland | 170 |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | FW | Liverpool | Egypt | 116 |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappe | FW | PSG | France | 85 |
| 7 | Thibaut Courtois | GK | Real Madrid | Belgium | 82 |
| 8 | Vinicius Jr. | FW | Real Madrid | Brazil | 61 |
| 9 | Luka Modric | MF | Real Madrid | Croatia | 20 |
| 10 | Erling Haaland | FW | Man City | Norway |
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Additional Notes on the 2022 Ballon d’Or
- A Long-Awaited French Winner: Benzema’s triumph ended France’s 24-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner since Zidane.
- Messi and Ronaldo absent: For the first time since 2005, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were in serious contention. Messi didn’t even make the final shortlist of 30 players, signaling the end of an era.
- The Champions League Factor: The 2022 edition highlighted how crucial Champions League performances are in swaying votes, with Benzema’s knockout-stage heroics becoming the defining narrative.
- Recognition of Longevity: Benzema’s win was also seen as a reward for years of elite performance, patience, and resilience, finally stepping out of the shadow of Ronaldo to claim football’s top individual prize.
- African Representation: Sadio Mané’s second-place finish marked the highest ranking for an African player since George Weah’s victory in 1995
