Ballon d'Or: Karim Benzema wins award as best player in world football for first time

 

Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema has won the Ballon d'Or - awarded to the best footballer of the year - for the first time.

Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 games as he helped Real win the Champions League and La Liga in 2021-22.

Lionel Messi (seven) and Cristiano Ronaldo (five) had won the award on 12 of the previous 13 occasions.

Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane, who was at Liverpool in 2021-22, was second ahead of Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne.

Barcelona's Alexia Putellas retained the Women's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best best female footballer of 2022.

England Euro 2022 winner and Arsenal forward Beth Mead was second.

Premier League champions Manchester City, who had six nominees at the ceremony, were awarded Club of the Year ahead of Liverpool.

The Ballon d'Or is awarded to the best footballer of the year, based on performance over the 2021-22 season.

Zinedine Zidane (right) was the last Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or First Frenchman to win prize since 1998

Monday's ceremony in Paris saw French F1 driver Esteban Ocon arrive at the Theatre du Chatelet with the Ballon d'Or trophy in a racing car.

Benzema is the first Frenchman to win the prestigious award since Zinedine Zidane in 1998. Zidane was at the event to present his countryman with the prize.

"This prize in front of me makes me really proud," said Benzema. "When I was small, it was a childhood dream, I never gave up. Anything is possible.

"I'm really proud of my journey here. It wasn't easy, it was a difficult time for my family as well."

Benzema was the overwhelming favourite to win this year's award.

His 44 goals included a hat-trick in 17 second-half minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and another away to Chelsea in the quarter-final first leg.

He also scored three more goals over two legs of the semi-final against Manchester City.

The 34-year-old, who has been at Real Madrid since 2009, is expected to play a key role for France at the World Cup in Qatar which starts on 20 November.

The Ballon d'Or is voted for by 100 journalists from around the world.

Warm reception for Haller

Borussia Dortmund's former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller, who has recently undergone chemotherapy for a testicular tumour, received warm applause from the audience when he walked on stage to present the Yashin Trophy to Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois for best goalkeeper.

Liverpool's Alisson was second, with Ederson of Manchester City and Chelsea's Edouard Mendy third and fourth respectively. Tottenham's Hugo Lloris was 10th.

The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best performing player under the age of 21, went to Barcelona and Spain midfielder Gavi, who turned 18 in August.

Sebastien Haller on stage at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, 19, was ranked fourth and England team-mate and Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, 21, was eighth.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski won the Gerd Muller Trophy awarded to the best striker after scoring 57 goals for Bayern Munich and Poland in 2021-22.

The inaugural Socrates Award, a humanitarian prize, went to Mane for his charity work.

Five-time winner Ronaldo ranked 20th

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award in recent years, apart from in 2018 when Croatia midfielder Luka Modric won it.

Messi had already won the trophy more times than any other player and his seventh success in 2021 came after wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019.

However, he was not nominated this time after an underwhelming first season at Paris St-Germain.

Manchester United's Ronaldo, who last won it in 2017, was placed 20th of the 30 players nominated, the Portuguese's lowest Ballon d'Or ranking since 2005.

Ballon d'Or results

1. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid, France).

2. Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich, Senegal).

3. Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium).

4. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland).

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt).

6. Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain, France).

7. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium).

8. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, Brazil).

9. Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia).

10. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway).

11. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur, South Korea)

12. Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City, Algeria).

13. Sebastien Haller (Borussia Dortmund, Ivory Coast).

14. Fabinho (Liverpool, Brazil) tied with Rafael Leao (AC Milan, Portugal).

16. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands).

17. Luis Diaz (Liverpool, Colombia) tied with Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus, Serbia) and Casemiro (Manchester United, Brazil).

20. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Portugal).

21. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur, England).

22. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, England) tied with Phil Foden (Manchester City, England) and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, Portugal).

25. Joao Cancelo (Manchester City, Portugal) tied with Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, Germany), Mike Maignan (AC Milan, France), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool, Uruguay) and Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig, France).

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Hasenhuttl accepts importance of midweek clash with rivals AFC Bournemouth

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin..

RALPH Hasenhuttl accepted the importance of Wednesday’s clash with AFC Bournemouth but insisted he retains “all the belief” in what Saints are doing.

The St Mary’s side visit the Vitality Stadium five points behind their fellow south-coast Premier League rivals after 10 matches.

Bournemouth, first managed by Scott Parker before Gary O’Neil took over on an interim basis, were firm favourites for relegation before the season began.

They were defeated 9-0 by Liverpool but are the only team in the division to remain unbeaten since, despite a difficult summer of recruitment and many feeling they have a weaker squad.

Saints, who are in the bottom three with eight points, must start picking up victories and crucially against teams they are likely to be competing with come the end of the season.

"For us, it's a Premier League game and an important one,” Hasenhuttl said, asked if there is any added incentive given the locality and shared objectives of the clubs.

“We go there and I think we know that they are in good shape at the moment, but we go there like we have always gone into in the past with all the belief in what we are doing to make it a good evening for us.”

The meeting comes off the back of a 1-1 draw with West Ham United, at St Mary’s, that ended a run of four straight defeats in the Premier League for Hasenhuttl and Saints.

It could have been a first win since the August victory over Chelsea, after Romain Perraud put Saints ahead and Che Adams squandered two big chances.

"For everybody it is very frustrating because these are the moments where you can make a big step forward,” Hasenhuttl admitted.

“But it would still be a long way to go. There's no guarantee that you win games but it makes it a little bit easier. And then you can definitely play a little bit calmer but we are never in the situation."

He added: "Let's say every point we get is a point gained and we know that we need every point.

“We are now going to Bournemouth and then against Arsenal so another two games this week. We have to be ready for the Wednesday game, immediately focus is on the game and hopefully we can get a win there."

Story continues

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Sheffield Wednesday player ratings as Ben Heneghan and Reece James stand out in Port Vale win

 

© Steve Flynn/News Images Reece James of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates with goal-scorer Will Vaulks. Photo credit: Steve Flynn/News Images Sheffield Wednesday (3-4-1-2)

David Stockdale 6

Made a vital save with his legs to keep out a Walker shot in the first half. In blustery conditions and on a tricky playing surface, Stockdale struggled with his distribution. His sixth clean sheet in 11 matches.

Michael Ihiekwe 7

There was nothing flashy from the former Rotherham United man. Steady showing on the right of the back three. Has acquitted himself well since moving to Wednesday.

Ben Heneghan 8

Bullet header from a Bannan corner was brilliantly clawed away by Stevens. Was strong in the air and made a number of important clearances to keep the hosts at bay. A strong presence in the back line.

Read more: David Stockdale fires ominous Sheffield Wednesday warning to the rest of League One

Reece James 8

Went quietly about his business. Was composed on the ball and dealt with everything Port Vale threw his way. Defended resolutely.

Liam Palmer 6

Not one of his better performances. His passing was poor and he found it difficult to offer much attacking threat down the right hand side. Kept on plugging away.

Barry Bannan 7

The midfield playmaker constantly looked to get the Owls on the front foot. Saw a rasping right foot shot superbly turned away by Stevens after a quick counter attack. Curled a free kick narrowly wide.

Will Vaulks 7

Grafted hard in and out of possession in the centre. Tried his best to offer protection to the defence. Opened his Owls account in superb fashion, drilling a stunning right foot shot out of Stevens' reach. A goal of the season contender.

Marvin Johnson 6

Was busy on the left flank and always looked to get forward to provide the ammunition for the forward line. Got into some good positions but his final ball was not always the best.

Josh Windass 6

Dragged a couple of shots wide either side of half-time. Buzzed around in the No 10 position but was unable to come up with a moment of inspiration in the final third.

Michael Smith 5

Not his day. Ineffective as Wednesday's focal point. Failed to hold the ball up and make things stick in attack. The service into him was not the best.

Mallik Wilks 6

Handed his first league start. His touch let him down on a few occasions. Livened up after the break and had an attempted shot well blocked in the build up to Vaulks' goal.

Substitutes:

Callum Paterson (68, 6)

Put himself about. Was booked after an off the ball incident.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (82, n/a)

Unused: Cameron Dawson, Jack Hunt, Dominic Iorfa, Tyreeq Bakinson, Alex Mighten.

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Bruno Fernandes has Raheem Sterling-esque moment with 'staggering' strike vs Spain

The playmaker came under fire, like most of his team-mates, at Old Trafford last season, with many claiming that it was the arrival of international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo that led to his underwhelming campaign. But Fernandes has told The Athletic that he does not believe there is a correlation, saying: “I just had a poor season in terms of my own numbers. I don’t think it is about Cristiano or myself.

“Before he came, I was also taking the penalties, but I had two chances to take the penalties last season, and I missed both. So, I cannot blame Cristiano for taking penalties, especially when he scores them. When I missed against Arsenal in April, it was him who gave me the ball and said, ‘Go yourself and score’.

“I missed, but I felt that he trusted me to be the one to step up and score in the big moment. So I don’t think it is because of Cristiano; it is because I didn’t do the best in myself in some moments to get goals or assists.” 

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Real Madrid's Marco Asensio refuses to rule out Barcelona transfer

 

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio turned down the chance to categorically rule out a move to Barcelona after being linked with a sensational move across the Clasico divide.

Asensio, 26, is out of contract with Madrid at the end of the season. While he has not ruled out extending his eight-year stay at the club, there are no renewal talks.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this week that the Spain international's agent, Jorge Mendes, has spoken with Barca about a potential free transfer next summer.

"Honestly, I don't know if they have called," Asensio told Spanish radio station Cope when asked if he was aware of Barca's interest. 

"A lot of other clubs have been linked [with me] as well. But it's normal because in seven months, well, from January actually, I am free to speak to other teams."

Asensio added that the links to Barca had led to him receiving "over 200 messages" from friends wanting updates on his future.

Pressed on if he could rule out switching Clasico clubs, like other Madrid and Barca players have done in the past, the former Mallorca player would not give a definitive response.

"It's just that I have not thought about [joining Barca] or considered it," he said. "Honestly, right now, I can't give you an answer. I don't know."

Barca also made an attempt to sign Asensio when he was coming through at Mallorca, but he eventually opted to join Madrid.

He has made 239 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 50 goals, and won three league titles and three Champions Leagues, among other trophies.

However, Asensio has fallen down the pecking order at the club recently, with Federico Valverde and Rodrygo among those picked ahead of him, although he said his relationship with coach Carlo Ancelotti remains good.

"August was tough with the [uncertainty over my future], but the decision to stay [this season] has been made and I am happy to be at Madrid," he added.

"Ancelotti's confidence in me was key. I still believe I can help Madrid and I want to keep winning trophies. There were options [to leave in the summer] but I never really thought I would leave and Ancelotti was part of the reason why."

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3 Pemain yang Berpotensi Diboyong MU Januari 2023

 Manchester United sudah merekrut sejumlah pemain pada bursa transfer musim panas 2022. Meski begitu, MU dikabarkan masih ingin mendatangkan beberapa pemain lagi.

Mereka yang datang ialah Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony dan Martin Dubravka tiba di Old Trafford.

Setan Merah diyakini merencanakan transfer pada bursa Januari. Manajer Erik ten Hag mengungkapkan pekan lalu bahwa pembicaraan mengenai transfer akan berlangsung bulan ini.

MU diperkirakan menginginkan bek kanan, gelandang kreatif dan penyerang. Siapa saja yang berpotensi menjadi target juara Inggris 20 kali itu?

Hamari Traore

Hamari Traore dikaitkan dengan Barcelona pada akhir jendela transfer musim panas.

Pemain berusia 30 tahun itu diduga tersedia dengan harga 3 juta euro. Kontraknya di Rennes berakhir pada akhir musim dan klubnya enggan kehilangan dia secara cuma-cuma.

Bek kanan ini telah membuat 212 penampilan untuk klub Prancis itu sejak pindah dari Reims pada Juli 2017. Ia menyumbang lima gol dan 22 assist dalam prosesnya. Musim ini, pemain asal Mali itu menyumbangkan satu assist dalam sembilan penampilan.

MU dikabarkan memasukkannya dalam daftar beli untuk melapisi Diogo Dalot di pos bek kanan. Kepindahan Traore dapat mengancam posisi Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Youri Tielemans

MU dikabarkan mengidentifikasi gelandang Leicester City, Youri Tielemans sebagai target utama pada Januari.

Tielemans dengan 52 caps untuk Timnas Belgia dianggap cocok menambah kreativitas lini tengah MU. Menurut Fichajes, MU merasa hanya Christian Eriksen pilihan mereka saat ini untuk peran itu.

Namun, Leicester tidak mau berpisah dengan satu di antara pemain terbaik mereka. Namun, Leicester tak bisa berbuat banyak.

Kontrak pemain berusia 25 tahun itu akan berakhir pada akhir musim ini. Januari akan menjadi kesempatan terakhir mereka untuk menguangkan sang gelandang sebelum dia bisa pergi dengan status bebas transfer.

Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay dikaitkan dengan MU pada tahap akhir jendela transfer musim panas sebelum akhirnya tetap di Barcelona.

Kontrak pemain berusia 28 tahun di Camp Nou akan berakhir Juni 2023. Dia tampaknya tidak ada dalam rencana Xavi.

Pemain asal Belanda, yang pindah ke Camp Nou dengan status bebas transfer tahun lalu, mencetak 13 gol dan menyumbang dua assist dalam 38 penampilan untuk Barca.

Memphis hanya bermain dua kali musim ini. Dia hampir pasti akan pergi pada Januari atau pada akhir kontraknya. Ia pun berpeluang kembali ke Old Trafford.