France's Benzema and Spain's Putellas win 2022 Ballon d'Or awards

Benzema, 34, was the overwhelming favourite after his remarkable performances last season helped his club win the Champions League and La Liga. He scored an astonishing 44 goals in 46 games for his club including 15 in the Champions League.

His exploits included a hat trick in 17 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, and another away to Chelsea in the quarter-final first leg. He also scored three more goals over both legs of the semi-final against Manchester City.

Benzema, who also won the UEFA Nations League with France last season, pushed Bayern Munich and Senegal star Sadio Mane into second place, with Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Belgium coming third.

Benzema clear at the