Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is predicted to scoop his first Ballon d’Or on Monday after a scintillating season with Los Blancos, according to reports.
Ballon d’Or organisers France Football announced the 30-man shortlist back in August, with seven-time winner Lionel Messi snubbed for the first time since 2005.
The winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or will be announced at a ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
And Benzema is widely considered the favourite to win France Football’s coveted award after lifting the La Liga title and Champions League trophy last season.
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The 34-year-old French striker was instrumental to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for Madrid last season, with Benzema scoring a whopping 44 times in 46 appearances.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Madrid captain Benzema will follow in the footsteps of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning a Ballon d’Or.
The ‘leaked’ results also showed other awards going in Madrid’s favour, with Benzema’s teammate Thibaut Courtois set to win the Yashin Trophy.
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Courtois was in fine form for Madrid last season and, much like Benzema, played a crucial role in his side’s trophy-laden campaign.
The 30-year-old Madrid No 1 kept 22 cleansheets across all competitions for Los Blancos and only conceded 46 times.
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Barcelona wonderkid Pedri, 19, is predicted to win the Kopa Trophy for the best young player for the second year running.
The highly rated Spanish midfielder is tipped to have a bright future at the Camp Nou after breaking into the Barcelona first team.
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Pedri, whose current release clause stands at a staggering £846m (€1bn), has made 87 appearances for the La Liga club and is admired by Barcelona manager Xavi.
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France Football on Monday will also announce the winner of the Ballon d’Or Feminin, with England trio Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Millie Bright nominated for the award.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will kick off at 7:30pm UK time and will be free to watch on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel and website.
Topics: Karim Benzema, Pedri, Thibaut Courtois, Ballon d'Or, Football, Real Madrid, Barcelona, La Liga, Spain
Adnan Riaz