Karim Benzema has received the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award after an astonishing Champions League run last season.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, also received the Men’s Coach of the Year award.
The awards come after Madrid went on to win their 14th UCL trophy against the odds. Their knockout run saw them face league champions from the top countries in Europe.
Real Madrid had a particularly strong year, winning La Liga and then defeating Liverpool in the Champions League final.
On the women’s side, Sarina Wiegman was named Coach of the Year for guiding England to the Euros, and Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas was named Player of the Year.
What Did Ancelotti Say About Benzema?
After receiving his personal award for the night, Real Madrid coach Ancelotti spoke about star forward, Karim Benzema.
Ancelotti heaped praise on Benzema and mentioned how lucky the club was to have him. “Karim is not just a fantastic striker and top scorer, he’s a fantastic footballer, supported by great attitude day by day,” he said.
🙌🎩 @Benzema is the winner of the UEFA Player of the Year Award!
🏆 Félicitations, Karim !#UEFAawards | #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/LHaomZNJjP— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 25, 2022
“Compared to last year, this year he improved his knowledge, he knows the game really well, how to manage the game and he’s a strong leader in the dressing room and a good friend of mine. We are lucky to have Karim.”
Given the season he had, the UEFA honors for Benzema, who has essentially cemented his position as the finest striker in the world, should only be the beginning.
The Ballon d’Or will most likely come next. The Frenchman is the overwhelming favorite to win football’s top individual award.
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