Who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or? Winners and voting for last year's award as Lionel Messi bids to reclaim prize
The 2022 Ballon d'Or award involved a key criteria change to the most prestigious individual trophy in men's football.
For the first time in the award's history, the performance period focused on the previous season, as opposed to the complete calendar year. Many felt this was a better reflection of the credentials of the nominees, most of whom are voted on based on their achievements in a season rather than a 12-month period.
The shortlist of nominees, confirmed in August 2022, was selected on the back of the 2021/22 campaign. Lionel Messi was not included on the 30-player list, making it his first omission since 2005.
The absence of Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo's mixed form at Manchester United, saw a new name etched onto the famous golden trophy for only the second time since 2007.
With the 2023 award set to be given out at the end of October, The Sporting News looks back at the winners of the various prizes last year.
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French star Karim Benzema scooped the award with a clear voting margin. He became just the second player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or since 2007. The other was Luka Modric in 2018.
Veteran striker Benzema played a crucial role as Los Blancos captain, with an incredible return of 44 goals from 48 games in all competitions, as Carlo Ancelotti's side won the La Liga and Champions League double in 2022.
Despite his move Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in June, Benzema was included in the 2023 shortlist, although he is not expected to defend his crown.
Alongside Messi not being included in the shortlist of nominees, 2022 also saw both his and Ronaldo's exclusion from the top three for the first time since 2006.
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