Karim Benzema Has Been Awarded The UEFA Men's Player Of The Year.

 Karim Benzema, a striker for Real Madrid, has earned the UEFA Men's Player of the Year honor after his outstanding 2021–2022 campaign.

The final selection included Manchester City player Kevin De Bruyne and clubmate Thibaut Courtois, who was awarded man of the match for his heroics in May's Champions League final 1-0 victory against Liverpool in Saint-Denis France, with Vinicius Jr scoring the only goal. 

However, the prize was given to Benzema at the 2022–23 Champions League group stage draw on Thursday in Istanbul.

The France international helped Los Blancos win their 14th Champions League title by scoring key goals when his side most needed them during crucial knockout round matches against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City. He scored a stunning 15-goal haul across last season's Champions League campaign.

Benzema takes the crown off of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who was handed last season's edition of the award for his stellar performance on the way to the Blues' memorable triumph at the Estádio do Dragão, Porto  in 2021.

In addition, Benzema was instrumental in Real Madrid's victory against rival Atletico Madrid for the La Liga crown.

With the formerly vilified Vinicius Junior, Benzema formed a potent striker partnership that saw them score 44 goals in 46 appearances for Real Madrid last season across all competitions.

His focus will now be on winning the Ballon d'Or in October after winning the UEFA's top prize. Benzema is anticipated to win the prize, making history by being the first Frenchman to do it since Zinedine Zidane.

It was a proud evening for Real Madrid, as Ancelotti was also handed the Men's Coach of the Year award.

On the other hand, Barcelona and Spain sensation Alexia Putellas who retained her crown as the UEFA Women's Player Of The Year for a second successive season.

While Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman took home the Women's Coach of the Year award for her staggering achievements since taking over at the helm of the England national side.

Wiegman who is yet to lose a game as England boss, she guided the Lionesses to European Championship glory earlier on this summer. It was their first UEFA Women's Championship title following a 2–1 win against Germany after extra time in the final, held at Wembley Stadium in London.