Benzema trounced Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane, who was at Liverpool in 2021-22 and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne who were all gunning for the prestigious award.

"I'm really proud of my journey here. It wasn't easy, it was a difficult time for my family as well. To be here today, the first time for me. I am just really, really happy, thanks to my teammates, with Real Madrid and the national team", he further added.

He is the ffifth Frenchman to win it after Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin and Zinedine Zidane.

Benzema's performance in the year set him up for success with his 44 goals which included a hat-trick in 17 second-half minutes against PSG 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.

In fact his winning streak is highly anticipated for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar slated for next month where he will be playing for France.

The women's award went to Barcelona star Alexia Putellas, who pipped runner-up Beth Mead of England to the prize after guiding the Catalan club to the Spanish title with a 100 per cent points tally.