The Ballon D'Or 2022: Ranking the Top 10 Players of the Year

A Year of Unforgettable Football: The Best of the Best

The 2022 Ballon D'Or, an annual award that recognizes the world's top footballer, was handed to Karim Benzema on November 28, 2022. However, his win did not overshadow the incredible accomplishments of other players who consistently performed at the highest level throughout the year. Here, we rank the top 10 players who made the cut for the prestigious award, celebrating their impressive skills and dominating performances on the pitch.

Karim Benzema, the winner of the award, expressed his gratitude and disbelief at receiving the honor, saying, "I don't see myself in that light. I'm just a simple player from a poor neighborhood in Lyon." Despite his humility, Benzema's achievements on the field are undeniable. He netted 44 goals in 63 appearances for Real Madrid, making him the club's top scorer in a single season.

Ranking the Top 10 Players of 2022

1. **Karim Benzema** - Winner:

The French striker played a crucial role in Real Madrid's success, including their La Liga title and a Champions League semifinal appearance. He scored 44 goals in 63 appearances and was instrumental in securing several victories throughout the season.

2. **Erling Haaland** - Manchester City, Norway:

Haaland's transfer to Manchester City was met with much excitement, and the Norwegian striker did not disappoint. He scored 35 goals in 35 appearances, showcasing his incredible pace and finishing ability, and helping his team secure the Premier League title.

3. **Kylian Mbappé** - Paris Saint-Germain, France:

Mbappé had another impressive year, scoring 26 goals in 32 appearances, and winning the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain. His performances on the pitch earned him praise from fans and coaches alike, cementing his status as one of the world's top players.

4. **Robert Lewandowski** - Barcelona, Poland:

After a highly successful stint at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski transferred to Barcelona, where he scored 23 goals in 33 appearances. His incredible finishing ability made him a nightmare for opposing teams, and he continues to be one of the most feared strikers in the world.

5. **Lionel Messi** - Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina:

Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain was highly anticipated, and the Argentine legend did not disappoint. He scored 25 goals in 31 appearances, winning the Ligue 1 title and cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

6. **Kevin De Bruyne** - Manchester City, Belgium:

De Bruyne had an incredible year, scoring 10 goals and providing 17 assists in 43 appearances for Manchester City. His exceptional passing ability and box-to-box play made him a crucial player for his team, helping them secure the Premier League title.

7. **Lautaro Martínez** - Inter Milan, Argentina:

Martínez had an impressive year, scoring 22 goals in 34 appearances, and helping Inter Milan secure a top-four finish in Serie A. His pace, skill, and finishing ability make him one of the most feared strikers in the world.

8. **Mohamed Salah** - Liverpool, Egypt:

Salah had another great year, scoring 21 goals in 34 appearances for Liverpool, and helping the team secure a second-place finish in the Premier League. His incredible speed and finishing ability make him a nightmare for opposing teams.

9. **Alisson Becker** - Liverpool, Brazil:

Alisson had an incredible year, making crucial saves throughout the season and helping Liverpool secure a top-four finish in the Premier League. His exceptional goalkeeping abilities and leadership on the pitch make him one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

10. **Virgil van Dijk** - Liverpool, Netherlands:

Van Dijk had another excellent year, leading Liverpool's defense to some remarkable victories, and helping the team secure a top-four finish in the Premier League. His exceptional leadership and defensive abilities make him one of the best center-backs in the world.

Player Statistics

* Goals scored: Karim Benzema (44), Erling Haaland (35), Kylian Mbappé (26), Robert Lewandowski (23), Lionel Messi (25), Lautaro Martínez (22), Mohamed Salah (21), Harry Kane (23), and Cristiano Ronaldo (9).

* Assists: Kevin De Bruyne (17), Kylian Mbappé (10), Erling Haaland (8), Lionel Messi (7), Mohamed Salah (6), and Alisson Becker (1).

* Appearances: Karim Benzema (63), Erling Haaland (35), Kylian Mbappé (32), Robert Lewandowski (33), Lionel Messi (31), Kevin De Bruyne (43), Lautaro Martínez (34), Mohamed Salah (34), and Alisson Becker (39).

In conclusion, the 2022 Ballon D'Or award was well-deserved by Karim Benzema, but the top 10 players ranked here showed incredible skill and dedication to the sport, making them true legends on and off the pitch.