The situation
Carlo Ancelotti took over the reins of Real Madrid in June 2021, after the second goodbye of coach Zidane. After not sealing the league comeback against Atletico and being knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea, later champions, only Alaba and Camavinga accompanied Carletto in a transfer market marked by Mbappé and PSG’s refusal to sell. While Varane and Ramos packed their bags. The course came with clouds. On August 10, 2022, the white coach stuck out his chest. “A year ago I don’t think anyone was sure of seeing a Madrid like this” , he used to say as the brand-new European super champion. Four titles in 14 months and another five on a road map whose lines draw the Sextete . Naturally,the collective successes result in individual prizes and in the Paseo de la Castellana they seek a monopoly. The main protagonist will be Karim Benzema who is presented as the top favorite for the awards that were previously for others. Until 2018, the man from Lyon was Robin, but with Cristiano’s departure to Juve he was promoted to Batman and 2021-22 has been the climax. The coincidence of his best season as a professional (44 goals in 46 games) has driven the conquest of the 35th League and the Fourteenth, as top scorer and top scorer, in addition to the two Super Cups.
The details
This makes him the number 1 candidate for the Ballon d’Or, the FIFA The Best, the UEFA Footballer of the Year, to add the Best Player of the last Champions League that already adorns his showcase . French Football, who has sent him various winks throughout the year, has already announced the 30 nominees and Courtois, Vinicius, Modric, Casemiro and Rüdiger (for his role at Chelsea) accompany him. But, after being fourth in 2021, this must be the year of Karim who is also guaranteed a UEFA footballer’s candidacy. Courtois appears again and Kevin de Bruyne completes the shortlist.