Benzema and Putellas named UEFA Players of the Year

Karin Benzema and Alexia Putellas were both named as the Men’s and Women’s UEFA Players of the Year.

The French forward became the third Real Madrid player to win the award since the 2016/17 season for his superb performances last season – particularly in the Spanish side's Champions League success where he provided crucial goals. 

Benzema defeated his teammate Thibaut Courtois and Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne to lift the trophy. 

©Getty / Harriet Lander - UEFA

The Spanish playmaker defeated exciting German talent Lena Oberdorf of Wolfsburg and Arsenal’s Beth Mead for the trophy.

Unsurprisingly, Carlo Ancelotti and Sarina Wiegman were named as the season’s best managers.

Wiegman wasn’t at the awards ceremony held immediately after the Champions League draw but thanked the FA, staff, and players for her award after she led England to European glory. 

Carlo Ancelotti took the time to praise the quality of his players when he received the award for mastering Real Madrid’s Champions League win.

The Italian manager also took the time to acknowledge Arrigo Sacchi, who was handed the UEFA President’s Award before the draw for his lifetime achievement in the sport.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin called the manager a “visionary” and said that “his teams attacked home and away, he was never afraid.”

🥇 "I'm very honoured and humbled. This award is for everyone involved with the England team…"

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman sends this message after winning the UEFA Women's Coach of the Year award.#UEFAawards pic.twitter.com/qjvHze3wKg

— UEFA (@UEFA) August 25, 2022