Karim Benzema Named European Player Of The Year 2022, Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti: We Are Lucky To Have Him

Karim Benzema and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. (Photo: Instagram.com/@karimbenzema)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid's Karim Benzema has been named the best European footballer by the European Football Association (UEFA). The title strengthens his status as the favorite player to win the title of world's best player (Ballon d'Or) this year.

Benzema's achievement was appreciated by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. He mentioned that Benzema is not only a striker and top scorer, but also a fantastic footballer who is supported by a great attitude every day.

"Compared to last year, this year he (Karim Benzema) has improved his knowledge, he knows the game very well. How to manage the game and he is a fantastic leader, strong in the dressing room, and a good friend of mine. We are lucky to have Karim," said Ancelotti as quoted by ESPN.

Benzema is on the list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or after scoring 15 goals as Real Madrid won the 2021/2022 Champions League trophy. The 34-year-old also helped Los Blancos win a double title, Spanish La Liga, and the Champions League last season.

He was a key player in a series of dramatic European comebacks, including scoring hat-tricks against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea.

The award for Benzema as the best European footballer was given in conjunction with the draw for the 2022/2023 Champions League group stage in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday, August 25.

In the award, Benzema beat team-mate Thibaut Courtois and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne. Winners of this category are selected based on the provisions of the jury who are representatives of the club and journalists.

Not only Benzema who received the award as the best footballer in this event. Ancelotti was also named UEFA's Best Men's Coach.

Ancelotti beat Pep Guardiola from Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp from Liverpool. When asked how he became the most successful coach in the competition, Ancelotti spoke of the passion he has for the sport and the quality of the players.

"Last season there was a fantastic relationship between the seniors and the young players, there was fantastic chemistry with the fans which helped us achieve great achievements," said Ancelotti.