Ballon d'Or 2022: Spanish media 'leak' winner as Karim Benzema with Yashin and Kopa award recipients revealed

This year's Ballon d'Or winner has reportedly been leaked by the Spanish media, with Marca claiming that Karim Benzema will receive his first Golden Ball. It is claimed that Benzema will become only the second player aside from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since 2008, after team-mate Luka Modric scooped the prize in 2018.

Ad The Ballon d’Or is awarded for performances in the previous season rather than the calendar year, and Benzema was in scintillating form during the 2021/22 campaign. Ballon d'OrHow to watch the Ballon d'Or ceremony live stream3 HOURS AGO He scored 44 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions, as Carlo Ancelotti’s side won a La Liga and Champions League double.

His performances in the Champions League drew huge acclaim, following hat-tricks in the last-16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain and quarter-final first leg against Chelsea. The Frenchman followed that up with another goal in the decisive second leg against the Blues, before three more strikes across the two semi-finals against Manchester City.

‘A little bit is also ours’ – Ancelotti hoping for Benzema Ballon d’Or win after Clasico goal 'They orchestrate campaigns well' — Ballon d'Or boss says no coincidence Real Madrid win awards How to watch the Ballon d'Or ceremony live stream This is reflected in the current betting odds, with Benzema the huge 1/33 favourite ahead of Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who is priced at 12/1. Other hotly-tipped nominees for the award include Sadio Mane (33/1), Robert Lewandowski (33/1), Mohamed Salah (25/1) and Kevin De Bruyne (33/1).

Meanwhile, Benzema’s Real Madrid team-mate Thibaut Courtois is expected to pick up the Yashin Award for the best performing goalkeeper. The