French and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time on Monday after a successful season with Real Madrid as they pursued both Champions League and Spanish league titles, report AP.
Spanish player Alexia Putellas won the women’s trophy for consecutive second year following another standout season with Barcelona.
Benzema had his best season ever at Madrid, being the top scorer in both leagues. He scored 44 times for Madrid, including 15 in Champions League, and equaled Raúl González as the club’s second-highest scorer after Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema, at 34, became the oldest winner since the first recipient in 1956, Stanley Matthews.
“Age is just a number for me,” he said in reaction after winning the award. “People play until their later years now and I still have this burning desire. It is this drive that has kept me going and never allowed me to let up.”
Benzema won ahead of Sadio Mané and Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. Mané played for Liverpool last season and joined Bayern Munich in the summer.
“I'm really proud, it's a lot of work and a kid's dream comes true," Benzema said.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
