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The 2022 Ballon d'Or results have been leaked and the winners of all three awards have been revealed, according to Marca.
Although the football's red carpet is set to take place in Paris on Monday, October 17, the Spanish outlet claims to have exclusive information on who the winners will be prior to the ceremony.
According to Marca, Real Madrid star Karim Benzema will win this year's Ballon d'Or ahead of Sadio Mane, Robert Lewandowski, and Kylian Mbappe, who were close contenders (via Express.co.uk).
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The shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or was dominated by nominees from Premier League giants Manchester City and Liverpool. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Mane, Phil Foden, and Kevin de Bruyne were among the many names to be nominated from both outfits.
The list consisted of some of Europe's biggest talents from other leagues as well, including Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, and Lewandowski. However, the Spanish outlet believes Benzema will come out on top amid stellar form for Los Blancos in recent times.
The France international recorded a mammoth 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish outfit last season.
He also played an extremely crucial role in Real Madrid's 2021-22 UEFA Champions League winning campaign. The La Liga giants lifted the prestigious European trophy after consistent, clutch performances from the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, the most shocking name to be absent from the shortlist of nominees for this year's Ballon d'Or was Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar was left off the list after his underwhelming debut season at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last term.
The record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner found it difficult to slot into his new outfit after a complicated and difficult departure from Barcelona.
Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy winners revealed ahead of 2022 Ballon d'Or ceremony
The 2022 Kopa Trophy nominees include the names of young talents such as Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jamal Musiala. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is the only player from the English Premier League to be nominated for the award.
However, Marca reports that Barcelona youngster Gavi will clinch the award and take it home to Catalonia.
Real Madrid will apparently be taking over at this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony as the Spanish outlet claims that another Los Blancos star is set to receive an award at the event. Thibaut Courtois will reportedly receive the 2022 Yashin Trophy after his heroics between the sticks for the Spanish giants in the UEFA Champions League.
Like his teammate Benzema, Courtois was also instrumental in Real Madrid's Champions League winning campaign last term. The Belgian shot-stopper was named the Player of the Match in the final win against Liverpool after repeatedly making saves from the Reds' relentless attempts at scoring. He even maintained a clean sheet in the thrilling encounter.
