Without surprises, French star Karim Benzema was named the best player in Europe for the 2021-2022 season after his remarkable brilliance with Real Madrid, while his Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti was crowned the best coach.

On the sidelines of the Champions League group draw ceremony - today, Thursday - in Istanbul, the European Football Association (UEFA) announced the list of winners of its annual awards.

Benzema was awarded the best player award, after participating in a prominent role in Real Madrid's crowning of the Champions League for the 14th time in its history.

Benzema finished last season with a set of distinguished numbers, including:

  • He won the title of best player in the Champions League.

  • Champions League top scorer with 15 goals.

  • Top scorer in the Spanish league with 27 goals.

  • The award for the best goal in the Champions League, with his first goal against Chelsea in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

  • He led Real Madrid to the final by scoring 10 decisive goals in the eighth, quarter and semi-final rounds, including a hat-trick in Paris Saint-Germain, a hat-trick against Chelsea, and a double against Manchester City, respectively.

  • He played his best season in 13 years with Real Madrid, scoring 44 goals in 46 games, and making 15 goals in all competitions.

  • He effectively contributed to the restoration of the "Royal" title of the Spanish League (the fourth title in his career with Real), as he scored 27 goals, and made 12 other goals.

  • With Real Madrid, he won the Spanish Super Cup for the fourth time.

  • Won the UEFA Nations League with France in October 2021.

Ancelotti is the best

On the other hand, Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti won the title of best coach after leading Real Madrid to the Champions League and La Liga title last season.

Ancelotti became the first coach to win the title in the five major leagues, and also scored his name as the first coach to win the European Super Cup 4 times.

Ancelotti achieved a distinguished career with Real Madrid last season, and succeeded in regaining his glory after difficult periods in the past years with teams, such as Napoli and Everton.