With neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo making the podium for the first time in 16 years, the Ballon d’Or awards in 2022 have a radically different vibe.
While Messi failed to make the shortlist for the first time since 2005, Ronaldo finished in 20th place, the lowest finish position of his career over the previous 17 years. By winning the award 12 times between them, the two superstars have dominated it over the past ten years.
There will be a new champion this year despite Messi’s record-breaking seventh Ballon d’Or triumph in 2021. Karim Benzema, a striker for Real Madrid, is the favourite to win the coveted trophy following a stellar campaign in which he helped Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League while frequently turning the tide of games on his own.
