Ballon d’Or

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      Karim Benzema wins Ballon d’Or after firing Real Madrid to Champions League glory to complete amazing career turnaround

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      KARIM BENZEMA has finally won the Ballon d’Or after a stunning year in which he dragged Real Madrid to Champions League glory. The France star, 34, was instrumental in their European triumph and was handed the annual prize at a swanky Paris ceremony ahead of Sadio Mane in second and third-placed Kevin De Bruyne.
      Benzema was all smiles after finally winning the coveted trophyCredit: AFP
      The newly-crowned world’s best footballer’s hero Zidane watches on as he accepts the awardCredit: Reuters
      Benzema celebrates on stage with his mum and dadCredit: EPA
      Karim Benzema has joined this list of football legends after his Ballon D’Or win
      The award, based on a player’s individual achievements over a calendar year, comes after his outstanding performances in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
      He scored an incredible ten goals in seven games – including two hat-tricks – as Madrid pulled off one of the most dramatic and extraordinary wins in the competition’s history.
      And it is an incredible turnaround on a personal level with the ace involved in a sex tape blackmail scandal which saw him exiled from the French team and was only settled last year.
      After winning the award, and with boyhood hero Zinedine Zidane next to him, he told the cheering audience: “This prize in front of me makes me really proud.
      READ MORE BALLON D’OR NEWS
      “When I was small I never gave up. It was a childhood dream.
      “I had two role models in my life. [Zinedine] Zidane and Ronaldo as well. I always had this dream in my mind that everything is possible.
      “There was a difficult period where I wasn’t in the French team but I never stopped working hard. I never gave up. I always kept in my head this job of playing football.”
      After his speech, the star invited his mum and son on stage to share the moment with him.

      A victorious Karim Benzema arrived looking dapper ahead of his awardCredit: EPA
      Karim Benzema’s girlfriend Jordan Ozuna poses upon arrivalCredit: AFP
      Benzema’s distinguished career reached new heights last season after his superhuman efforts in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
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      It was Benzema’s heroics in the Champions League that made him the overwhelming favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or honour.
      Before their victory in the final over Liverpool, Real Madrid appeared determined to make it as difficult as possible for themselves as they fell behind on aggregate in each of the second legs of the knockout games.
      But against Paris-Saint Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City, Los Blancos rallied every time and found a way to win.
      Benzema was key to both those improbable victories for Carlo Ancelotti’s sdie and Real Madrid’s La Liga title, with the Frenchman scoring 44 goals in all competitions.
      He has never previously even finished in the top three of the Ballon D’Or before this year.
      He takes the crown from Lionel Messi, who had won the previous two awards.
      And it means that Benzema is only the second player who is not Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the prestigious prize since 2008.
      Luka Modric also managed to break the pair’s stronghold over the Ballon d’Or when he won it in 2018.
      Benzema signed for Real Madrid in 2009 and has scored over 300 goals for the club.
      De Bruyne spoke of his pride in coming third in the Ballon d’Or – which is the first time a Man City player has achieved the feat.
      The 31-year-old attacking genius said: “Obviously it is nice to be in that list and to be nominated for it. I have been nominated quite a few times now, so it means you have been doing well consistently.
      “To be recognised as a player is always nice. If you are in that list, then it means a lot and after it is the people’s opinion. As a player, I thinkyou understand what you do good and what you do bad.”
      City also picked up the Club of the Year award in recognition of their overall achievements at various levels, while Thibaut Courtois won the Lev Yashin award for best keeper.
      Robert Lewandowski picked up the Gerd Muller prize for best striker, and Sadio Mane didn’t leave empty-handed with the kind-hearted Senegal ace winning the new Socrates award for services off the pitch.
      Barcelona starlet Gavi won the Kopa gong for best under-21 player in the world.
      The star-studded ceremony saw many of football’s finest, including Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne, turn up in sharp suitsCredit: EPA
      Sadio Mane’s brilliant season for Liverpool saw him finish second in the Ballon d’Or awardCredit: Reuters
      After an impressive season, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe could only finish sixthCredit: Reuters More

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      Man City stars Kevin de Bruyne and Ederson joined by stunning partners on glamorous red carpet ahead of Ballon d’Or bash

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      MANCHESTER CITY stars Kevin de Bruyne and Ederson were joined by their stunning significant others on a glamorous red carpet at this evening’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.The City duo looked proud as punch as they posed for pictures with their partners in Paris.
      Man City star Ederson and his Wag Lais Moraes led the way on the Ballon d’Or red carpetCredit: EPA
      Kevin de Bruyne was joined by wife Michele Lacroix and two of their three childrenCredit: AFP
      Karim Benzema’s girlfriend Jordan Uzuna was all smilesCredit: AFP
      Uzuna stunned on the red carpetCredit: AFP
      De Bruyne, 31, was joined by his wife Michele Lacroix, 28, as they made their way into the event on Monday night.
      Two of their three children were also in tow, with Milan, 6, and Rome, 3, dazzled by the occasion.
      Meanwhile, City goalie Ederson, 29, arrived with Wag Lais Moraes, 28, just one day after conceding the only goal in his side’s 1-0 defeat at Liverpool.
      There was another stopper on the red carpet in Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, 30, who was flanked by fiancee Mishel Gerzig, 25.
      READ MORE BALLON D’OR NEWS
      Barcelona rival Robert Lewandowski, 34, also flashed a smile after yesterday’s El Clasico defeat as he and wife Anna, 34, made their way indoors.
      Elsewhere, Frankfurt star Kevin Trapp, 32, and partner Izabel Goulart, 37, turned heads upon their arrival.
      And Karim Benzema’s girlfriend Jordan Uzuna, 31, caught the attention of cameras with her partner, 34, winning tonight’s main prize.
      There was also a blast from the past with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, 44, arriving with event host Sandy Heribert, 38.
      Stunning US star Trinity Rodman came 18th in the women’s rankingsCredit: Getty
      Thibaut Courtois was flanked by fiancee Mishel GerzigCredit: Reuters
      Robert Lewandowski posed for the cameras with wife AnnaCredit: AFP
      Kevin Trapp and Izabel Goulart smouldered in front of the camerasCredit: Getty
      Didier Drogba arrived with host Sandy HeribertCredit: Reuters
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      The Real Madrid star was the main man on Monday nightCredit: EPA
      Kylian Mbappe turned up with dad WilfriedCredit: AFP
      Finally, PSG misfit Kylian Mbappe, 23, rocked up to the Ballon d’Or not with a partner, but with his dad Wilfried, 52.
      As for the awards themselves, Barcelona’s Gavi, 18, landed the Kopa trophy for best youngster.
      Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane, 30, received the Socrates award for his charitable work.
      And Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, 28, won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year running.
      Barcelona’s Gavi was given the Kopa trophy by Ronaldo NazarioCredit: Reuters
      Sadio Mane won the Socrates award for his charitable workCredit: Reuters
      Later on, Lewandowski was given the Gerd Muller award for scoring FIFTY goals in all competitions at Bayern Munich last term.
      He’s since scored 14 goals in just 13 games for new side Barcelona.
      Courtois ended up getting his gloves on the Yashin Trophy for his performances between the sticks.
      The Belgian was Real’s man of the match in their Champions League final win over Liverpool.
      Alexia Putellas made it back-to-back Ballon d’Or winsCredit: AFP
      Robert Lewandowski scooped the Gerd Muller trophyCredit: Reuters
      But the man of the hour was Real star Benzema, who scooped his first-ever Ballon d’Or win.
      He scored 27 league goals to fire Real Madrid to last season’s title.
      And Benzema also netted 15 times in Europe as Real made it a double with glory in the Champions League.
      It’s just the second time a player other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi has won the award since 2007, with Luka Modric landing the prize in 2018.
      Courtois got his gloves on the Yashin trophy for best goalieCredit: AP
      Karim Benzema won the top prize after an incredible yearCredit: AFP More

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      Five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo comes 20th in Ballon d’Or rankings – the Man Utd star’s WORST EVER finish

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has suffered his worst ever Ballon d’Or ranking.That’s by finishing in 20th place at this year’s prestigious ceremony.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has come 20th at this year’s Ballon d’Or – his worst ranking to dateCredit: Getty
      Five-time winner Ronaldo’s previous worst finish was sixth place last yearCredit: AFP
      Ronaldo is a five-time winner of the top individual award, first winning it in 2008 with United.
      He scooped the prize a further four times at Real Madrid in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
      Last year saw Ronnie finish sixth, which at the time was his lowest position ever.
      But he has plummeted new depths after a questionable start to the season.
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      Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle was just Ronaldo’s second Premier League start under Erik ten Hag.
      He only has one league goal this term – and just two in all competitions.
      Ronnie’s form comes after a tempestuous summer during which he tried forcing an exit from Old Trafford.
      But despite being linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich, there were no takers for the seven-time domestic league winner and five-time Champions League winner.
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      A list of the previous Ballon d’Or winners
      As for this year’s ceremony, reports claim Karim Benzema will be crowned the Ballon d’Or winner after a stunning year.
      He scored 27 league goals to fire Real Madrid to last season’s title.
      And Benzema also netted 15 times in Europe as Real made it a double with glory in the Champions League.
      It means it will be just the second time a player other than Ronaldo or Lionel Messi has won the award since 2007, with Luka Modric landing the prize in 2018. More

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      Karim Benzema’s amazing journey, from ‘sex-tape’ blackmail case and France exile to Ballon d’or winner and model Wag

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      AT 34, Karim Benzema could have been forgiven for thinking his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were over.But the Real Madrid star is expected to lift the trophy tonight after an incredible season with his club, as well as a return to international football with his country, France.
      Karim Benzema enjoyed a remarkable year with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Benzema is one of the game’s wealthiest footballers with an enviable car collectionCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Benzema, who boasts an incredible car collection and a love of Bugatti motors, scored a staggering 15 goals in 12 games in the Champions League last campaign.
      And he recorded his best ever LaLiga tally – notching 27 strikes in just 32 games.
      A Ballon d’Or win would cap a remarkable journey for Benzema, after he was exiled from the national team and faced trial for his alleged part in blackmailing Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
      And in stunning American Wag Jordan Ozuna, who used to work at fast food chain Hooters, he has found love off the pitch and is happy to share that with the world.
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      Best ever season
      Often overlooked and criticised, Benzema has scored 328 goals for Los Blancos – since signing for around £35million in 2009.
      Before last season, he was an underrated cog in sides that won three LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.
      However, he played second-fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo – who was bought the same year from Man Utd.
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      Unselfishly, Benzema admitted: “When Cristiano Ronaldo played for Real Madrid, he scored 50 to 60 goals a year.
      “So, my moves were to give him an advantage on the field, generate spaces, because I exchanged the ball well in the opponent’s area. He was much more effective than I was.”
      That all changed in 2018-19, when the Portuguese legend left for Juventus. Benzema was left as the main man, and how he thrived.
      Across the previous four seasons, he’s scored 131 goals in all competitions. While in this campaign he has five in 10 games.
      He admitted his priorities changed after CR7 departed for Turin.
      Benzema explained: “It’s been different for me since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid.
      “It’s true that I’ve scored many more goals, but when Cristiano was here, we had a different style of play, I was providing more assists.
      He really helped me on and off the pitch.
      “But at that time, I did know that I could do more and when he left, it was the time to change my game, change my ambitions and I am doing that well at the moment.”
      In the past four seasons, Benzema has scored a staggering 131 goalsCredit: Reuters
      For several years, Benzema was forced to live behind the shadow of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPA
      Sex-tape
      But it hasn’t always been plain-sailing in Benzema’s career. Misdemeanours off the pitch threatened his reputation, and perhaps derailed it somewhat.
      His international career suffered, certainly.
      Slights of character began in 2010, when French TV channel M6 reported that four members of the French national team were being investigated for their roles as clients in a prostitute ring operated inside of a Paris nightclub, with some of the women allegedly being underage.
      Benzema was one of those, along with Franck Ribéry, Sidney Govou, and Hatem Ben Arfa.
      Benzema and Ribéry were acquitted by a judge because of lack of sufficient evidence that the pair knew the prostitutes were underaged. But, the young striker’s card was marked.
      In 2015, Benzema was arrested by police for his alleged part in blackmailing fellow France international player Mathieu Valbuena over the alleged recording of a sex-tape on a mobile phone.
      Noel Le Graet, the president of the FFF, announced a suspension of the striker from the national team..
      The case went to trial in 2021, and Benzema was found guilty of conspiring to blackmail Valbuena with the sex tape.
      Benzema was handed a one-year suspended sentence and fined £75,000.
      Former team mates Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema were involved in a sex tape scandalCredit: Reuters
      Benzema faced trial for his part in the alleged blackmailingCredit: Getty
      After a six-year exile, Benzema is back in the France squadCredit: AFP
      But, it was the cost of losing six years of his international career that hurt the most.
      Since 2021, Didier Deschamps has reinstated Benzema back into the Les Bleus line-up.
      And with 10 goals in his 16 games across the last year, it’s the national side that seemingly lost out on his talents.
      What better way for redemption to lead the French line in Qatar and win the World Cup.
      Finding love
      Fiercely private off the pitch, practicing Muslim Benzema kept his love life out of the limelight during his epic rise.
      He was married to Chloe De Launay, who is the mother of their two children Ibrahim and Melia.
      But their romance was reportedly hit by controversy and alleged infidelity.
      Benzema is now reportedly dating American model Jordan Ozuna.
      The 32-year-old used to work as a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas but is now signed to several US-based modelling agencies.
      And she seems to have encouraged him to open up more about his life.
      Chloe De Launay is the mother of Benzema’s children (Melia pictured here)Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Stunning Jordan Ozuna is Benzema’s current reported girlfriendCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Beautiful Jordan used to be a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas, but now modelsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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      They both follow each other on Insta and have publicly shared heart emojis during exchanges, while she was said to be in Paris back in May to support Benzema crowned king of the Champions League.
      Maybe she will be there to cheer him on winning the 2022 Ballon d’or at the Théâtre Châtelet in Paris tonight. More

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      Ballon d’Or 2022: Live stream, UK start time, TV channel, nominees CONFIRMED for prestigious award ceremony

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      THERE’S no better individual footballing award to win other than the Ballon d’Or – and it will be going into someone’s trophy cabinet TONIGHT.Argentinian legend Lionel Messi edged Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski to secure the prestigious award in 2021.
      Lionel Messi secured his seventh Ballon d’Or in 2021Credit: Reuters
      The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best player in the worldCredit: Getty
      But the Paris Saint-Germain magician failed to make the shortlist this time around, courtesy of an underwhelming debut season in France.
      And so did Brazilian superstar Neymar who wasn’t afraid to hit out at his critics.
      However, there are still a whole host of names in the 30-man list worthy of being crowned with such an honourable prize.
      SunSport has everything you need to know about the Ballon d’Or 2022.
      When is the Ballon d’Or award ceremony?
      The 66th edition of the Ballon d’Or is set to take place TONIGHT – Monday, October 17.
      The event will get underway from 7.30pm UK time.
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      Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France is the allocated arena for this intriguing event and it can host 2,010 spectators.
      There will be a slight twist as the winner will be chosen based on performances over a season as opposed to a calendar year.
      How can I watch the Ballon d’Or award ceremony?
      Viewers in the UK can stream the entire action live via the Eurosport website or the Eurosport app.
      And the who will also be live to watch for free on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.
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      Who are the Ballon d’Or nominees?
      The nominees were revealed by France Football on Friday, August 12 2022.
      Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema have all been shortlisted.
      Karim Benzema is favourite to clinch the Ballon d’Or 2022Credit: Getty
      But Lionel Messi failed to make the 30-man cut for the first time in over a decade.

      Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool
      Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
      Joao Cancelo – Manchester City
      Casemiro – Manchester United (formerly Real Madrid)
      Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
      Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
      Kevin de Bruyne – Manchester City
      Luis Diaz – Liverpool (formerly Porto)
      Fabinho – Liverpool
      Phil Foden – Manchester City
      Erling Haaland – Manchester City (formerly Borussia Dortmund)
      Sebastien Haller – Borussia Dortmund (formerly Ajax)
      Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
      Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich
      Rafael Leao – AC Milan
      Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona (formerly Bayern Munich)
      Riyad Mahrez – Manchester City
      Mike Maignan – AC Milan
      Sadio Mane – Bayern Munich (formerly Liverpool)
      Kylian Mbappe – Paris Saint-Germain
      Luka Modric – Real Madrid
      Christopher Nkunku – RB Leipzig
      Darwin Nunez – Liverpool (formerly Benfica)
      Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid (formerly Chelsea)
      Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
      Bernardo Silva – Manchester City
      Son Heung-min – Tottenham Hotspur
      Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
      Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
      Dusan Vlahovic – Juventus (formerly Fiorentina)

      Who has won the most Ballon d’0r awards?
      Lionel Messi has been crowned with the prestigious award on SEVEN occasions which makes him the current record holder.
      The Argentinian icon is two ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo who has been stuck on five since 2017.
      Luka Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018Credit: EPA
      Luka Modric is the only other player currently still playing to have secured the Ballon d’Or.
      What are the odds?
      Betfair have Karim Benzema as favourite for the prestigious trophy.
      Here is a list of contenders, courtesy of the bookmaker.

      Karim Benzema – 1/33
      Erling Haaland – 12/1
      Kylian Mbappe – 16/1
      Mo Salah – 25/1
      Virgil van Dijk – 25/1
      Robert Lewandowski – 33/1
      Kevin de Bruyne – 33/1
      Harry Kane – 33/1
      Vinicius Jr – 33/1
      Sadio Mane 33/1
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 40/1
      Trent Alexander-Arnold – 40/1
      Luis Diaz – 40/1
      Phil Foden – 66/1
      Joshua Kimmich – 100/1
      Dusan Vlahovic – 125/1
      Bernardo Silva – 150/1
      Riyad Mahrez – 150/1
      Joao Cancelo 250/1 More

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      Ballon d’Or 2022 live stream FREE – how to watch tonight’s awards ceremony, UK start time, odds

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      THE BALLON D’Or 2022 is here live and direct TONIGHT!World football is reaching fever pitch for the announcement of the biggest individual prize in the game, and there is a way to watch it all unfold for FREE tonight.
      The Ballon d’Or trophy will be decided tonight
      Karim Benzema is the BIG favourite
      There will be a new twist as the winner will be chosen based on performances over a season as opposed to the calendar year.
      And Karim Benzema is the bookies favourite to win the prize by some distance.
      The Real Madrid superstar has odds as short as 1/33 to win the Ballon d’Or for the first time.
      Benzema finished the 2021-22 season with an incredible 44 goals in 46 games, and a further 15 assists to boot.
      He guided Real Madrid to the Spanish league title and the Champions League, which was their first since Ronaldo’s departure in 2018.
      Read more Ballon d’Or
      When is the Ballon d’Or 2022?
      The Ballon d’Or 2022 takes place on Monday, October 2022.
      It will start from 7.30pm UK time.
      What live stream is the Ballon d’Or on?
      You can watch all of the awards ceremony live on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.
      Who are the nominees?

      Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool
      Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
      Joao Cancelo – Manchester City
      Casemiro – Manchester United (formerly Real Madrid)
      Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
      Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
      Kevin de Bruyne – Manchester City
      Luis Diaz – Liverpool (formerly Porto)
      Fabinho – Liverpool
      Phil Foden – Manchester City
      Erling Haaland – Manchester City (formerly Borussia Dortmund)
      Sebastien Haller – Borussia Dortmund (formerly Ajax)
      Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
      Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich
      Rafael Leao – AC Milan
      Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona (formerly Bayern Munich)
      Riyad Mahrez – Manchester City
      Mike Maignan – AC Milan
      Sadio Mane – Bayern Munich (formerly Liverpool)
      Kylian Mbappe – Paris Saint-Germain
      Luka Modric – Real Madrid
      Christopher Nkunku – RB Leipzig
      Darwin Nunez – Liverpool (formerly Benfica)
      Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid (formerly Chelsea)
      Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
      Bernardo Silva – Manchester City
      Son Heung-min – Tottenham Hotspur
      Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
      Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
      Dusan Vlahovic – Juventus (formerly Fiorentina)

      What are the odds?
      Betfair have Karim Benzema as favourite for the prestigious trophy.
      Here is a list of contenders, courtesy of the bookmaker.

      Karim Benzema – 1/33
      Erling Haaland – 12/1
      Kylian Mbappe – 16/1
      Mo Salah – 25/1
      Virgil van Dijk – 25/1
      Robert Lewandowski – 33/1
      Kevin de Bruyne – 33/1
      Harry Kane – 33/1
      Vinicius Jr – 33/1
      Sadio Mane 33/1
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 40/1
      Trent Alexander-Arnold – 40/1
      Luis Diaz – 40/1
      Phil Foden – 66/1
      Joshua Kimmich – 100/1
      Dusan Vlahovic – 125/1
      Bernardo Silva – 150/1
      Riyad Mahrez – 150/1
      Joao Cancelo 250/1

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      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo set to attend Ballon d’Or ceremony for first time in five years in huge hint at winner

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony for the first time in five years.And that could be a major hint at who the 2022 winner may be.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballons d’Or but his last one came in 2017Credit: AFP or licensors
      Ronaldo is a five-time winner of the prestigious France Football award – given to the best player in the world for the previous season.
      The last time he headed to the gala was way back in 2017… the last time he was got his hands on the iconic gold trophy.
      According to Le Parisien via Record, Ronaldo plans to be there in person at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday.
      However, the report adds grumpy Kylian Mbappe may snub the evening – despite it taking place just 22 minutes’ drive along the north bank of the River Seine in France’s capital.
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      In 2017, Ronaldo racked up a whopping 946 points, well clear of Lionel Messi in second on 670.
      And it marked a staggering run of four Ballons d’Or in five years for the Portuguese superstar following his debut win in 2008.
      But he refused to attend in 2018 when he was pipped by Luka Modric and then again 12 months later as Messi finished ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Ronaldo.
      The 2020 award was controversially scrapped – robbing Robert Lewandowski of his maiden gong – and then Ronaldo again avoided the 2021 ceremony.
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      Last year, he finished sixth – he has not finished lower since 2006.
      And despite reports suggesting he will make the trip to Paris next week, he is not expected to add a sixth title.
      Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 38 appearances in his comeback season at Manchester United but did not win a trophy.
      Karim Benzema is the hot favourite after his 44 goals in 46 games to fire Real Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League glory.
      He would be the first Frenchman to claim the Ballon d’Or since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.
      Lionel Messi failed to make the 30-player shortlist of candidates.
      Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the three English representatives.
      Ronaldo posed with his individual awards after collecting No5Credit: AFP
      Lionel Messi won his seventh Ballon d’Or in 2021Credit: AP More

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      Has Poland’s Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI will go down as one of the greatest players this generation.The Poland international has been one of the most prolific scorers in European football over the last 12 years, joining Borussia Dortmund in 2010, where he netted 103 goals in 187 appearances.
      Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski gives instructions during the Champions League group C soccer match between Inter Milan and Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)Credit: AP
      Joining league rivals Bayern Munich, Lewandowski cemented his place as one of the greatest players of his generation as he netted an incredible 344 goals in 375 matches in Munich.
      However, this summer saw the end to his spell in the Bundesliga as Lewandowski sought a new challenge, joining Barcelona in La Liga.
      Read More Football
      Has Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?
      Last season, Lewandowski finished as runner up in the Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi claiming his 7th award ahead of the Poland star.
      This was the closest that Lewandowski has come to receiving the award.
      Robert Lewandowski has won FIFA’s Best Player award in recent seasonsCredit: AFP
      However, he was heavily tipped to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, but the ceremony was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a winner was never named.
      Despite being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski was recognised by FIFA as he received the ‘Best Player’ award in consecutive seasons, with the ceremony taking place in January each year.
      Lewandowski has had his say on not winning the Ballon d’Or, stating that he’d prefer to win the FIFA award instead.
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      “I’ve been thinking about these two awards lately: FIFA Best Player and the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
      “I’ve come to the conclusion that the FIFA award does matter more. Only journalists vote in the latter – there’s no clear verification.”
      Lewandowski is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or in his career now, with Karim Benzema the clear favourite for the 2022 accolade. More