Karim Benzema and Alexia Putellas win Ballon d’Or awards
The Hindu
2022 Ballon d’Or award ceremony was held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
France striker Karim Benzema won the Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, the reward coming after his stunning performances helped Real Madrid win the Champions League and La Liga last season.
Benzema, who is the first French winner of the most prestigious individual prize in football since Zinedine Zidane in 1998, scored 44 goals in 46 games for his club including 15 in the Champions League.
Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year running on Monday, the reward coming after a season in which she was the top scorer as her club Barcelona reached the Champions League final.
The 28-year-old Putellas saw off stiff competition, notably from three stars of the England team that won the European Championship, to take the award following a campaign which also saw Barcelona win a domestic league and cup double.
The prize, awarded at a star-studded ceremony at the Chatelet Theatre in central Paris, is a consolation for Putellas who is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.
The injury saw her miss the Euro in England in July and means she is unlikely to play at all this season.
“It makes me even more annoyed to be injured, but I am very happy to be here,” Putellas said.
IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on November 24-25, with 574 players up for grabs, setting stage for exciting season.
Australian bowling quartet of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon make history with 500 Test wickets together.
KL Rahul's controversial dismissal in India vs. Australia Test sparks debate among former players and umpires.
Prime Minister Modi strengthens India-Caribbean cricket bond during historic visit to Guyana, meeting with prominent cricket personalities.
Debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy feature in India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia.
Bihar to host Khelo India Youth Games and Para Games in April 2025, showcasing capability in major sporting events.
Jasprit Bumrah, the professor of fast bowling, takes on the challenge of leading India in a Test series against Australia.
Qatar and India prepare for FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025 with focus on shooting and defense, aiming for victory.
Indian carrom team returns triumphant from World Cup in San Francisco, with Rashmi Kumari praising champions Srinivas and Khazima.
Pat Cummins exudes quiet confidence as he hopes to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from India in upcoming Test series.
Bumrah and Cummins lead India and Australia in a thrilling Test series showdown, promising high-octane cricket action.