Oshoala made history as the first African female Ballon d’Or nominee; finishing in the 16th position among the shortlisted 30 players.
As expected, the 2022 Ballon d’Or was a glamorous affair as football icons from across the world gathered Monday night in Paris for the most prestigious individual football awards.
Though there were winners across the different categories, Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema and Barcelona Femeni captain Alexia Putellas were the biggest winners of the night; emerging as the best male and female footballers of 2022.
While it was back-to-back wins for Putellas having also won last year, this is the first-ever Ballon d’Or honour for Benzema.
Putellas, 28, who won the award last year, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the summer and missed Spain’s Euro 2022 campaign.
Before her injury, Putellas was the Champions League top scorer for Barca last season with 11 goals in 10 games. Arsenal striker Beth Mead was second, with Chelsea forward Sam Kerr in third.
Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala also made history as the first African female Ballon d’Or nominee, finishing in the 16th position among the shortlisted 30 players.
As for Benzema, he was finally crowned king after being nominated for the award nine times in the past.
The French forward was the overwhelming favourite to win this year after enjoying a stellar season leading the line for Real Madrid.
The 34-year-old scored key goals as he helped Real Madrid win both the Spanish league title and the Champions League last season.
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