The 2022 Ballon d'Or was the 66th annual presentation of the Ballon d'Or, presented by France Football, recognising the best footballers in the world during the 2021–22 season. For the first time in the history of the award, it was given based on the results of the European season, instead of the calendar year. The nominees for the ceremony were announced on 12 August 2022, and the ceremony was held on 17 October. Karim Benzema won the Ballon d'Or, for successfully leading Real Madrid to win both UEFA Champions League and La Liga. Alexia Putellas claimed the Ballon d'Or Féminin, following her successful domestic campaign with Barcelona. In the other award categories, Gavi was given the Kopa Trophy, Thibaut Courtois won the Yashin Trophy, Robert Lewandowski was presented the newly named Gerd Müller Trophy, Sadio Mané was awarded the inaugural Sócrates Award, and Manchester City claimed the Club of the Year award.
2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema
Alexia Putellas (pictured in 2019) won her second Ballon d'Or, following her 2021 trophy.
Aged 18 at the time, Gavi (pictured in 2022) won the Kopa Trophy, succeeding his Barcelona teammate Pedri, who won the 2021 award.
Thibaut Courtois (pictured in 2018) won the Yashin Trophy, finishing ahead of the likes of Premier League goalkeepers Alisson, Ederson and Édouard Mendy.
The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956 to honour the player deemed to have performed the best over the previous season.
Ballon d'Or trophy
Gianni Rivera hoisting the 1969 Ballon d'Or.
Lionel Messi has won the most Ballons d'Or in history, with eight wins in three different decades. He is also the record holder for most consecutive wins, with four between 2009 and 2012.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or a record eighteen times, and is a five-time winner.