Karim Benzema wins Ballon d'Or: Real Madrid star named two idols in emotional speech | OneFootball

Karim Benzema gave an emotional speech after winning the 2022 Men’s Ballon d’Or trophy.

The Real Madrid star pipped Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne to the award, who finished second and third respectively.

At 34 years old, he became the oldest first time winner of the trophy since Stanley Matthews in 1956.

Benzema has had many ups and downs in football and he gave an emotional speech after being handed the trophy by Zinedine Zidane.

“This makes me really proud, all the work I did, I never gave up,” he said, per the Evening Standard.

“I had two role models in my life, Zidane and Ronaldo as well. I always had this dream in my mind that everything’s possible. There was a difficult period where I wasn’t in the French team but I worked hard and never gave up, kept my head down and enjoyed playing football.

“I’m really proud of my journey here, it wasn’t easy, it was difficult, for me and my family. To be here today, the first time for me. I am just really, really happy, thanks to my teammates, with Real Madrid and the national team.”

“Age is just a number for me,” he added.

“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. It kept this dream alive and was the fire behind me.

“I just want to make the most if it.”

Benzema also bought his mother and son on stage in a wholesome moment.

Where did other big names finish in 2022 Ballon d'Or?

Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah completed the top five, with Kylian Mbappe in sixth.

Benzema was one of four Real Madrid players that finished in the top 10, with the others being Thibaut Courtois (7th), Vinicius Jr (8th) and Luka Modric (9th).

Virgil van Dijk finished 16th, while Cristiano Ronaldo finished 20th, one place above Harry Kane.