Alexia Putellas and Karim Benzema win the Ballon d'Or in 2022.

On Monday, Alexia Putellas and Karim Benzema were named the Ballon d'Or winners for the best football players in the world.

After scoring 18 goals to lead her team, Barcelona, to another domestic title, the Spanish midfielder retained her title as the best women's player in 2022.

The Catalan team won all 30 league games as well as both domestic cups, but she was unable to compete in the European Championship due to an ACL injury.

Her national team, Spain, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champions, England.

"I'm very happy to be back here," Putellas said at the Paris ceremony.

Putellas won the award over forwards Beth Mead of Arsenal and England and Sam Kerr of Chelsea and Australia.

"Winning last year inspired me to strive for even greater success this year." This would not have been possible without the help of my teammates. "I'd like to thank the coaches and technical staff who work with me every day to help me improve," she said.

The French striker won the top men's prize ahead of Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mane, and Kevin De Bruyne.

Benzema had a fantastic season with Real Madrid, scoring 44 goals in 46 games across all competitions to help the club win the LaLiga and Champions League double. Real Madrid won their 14th Champions League title thanks to his 15 goals in the competition.

"This award in front of me makes me very happy. It was a childhood dream of mine, and I never gave up... Everything is possible "On stage at the ceremony, the forward stated. 

Benzema was not a member of France's World Cup-winning squad in Russia in 2018, but he will compete in Qatar next month, barring an injury.

Benzema was recalled by France coach Didier Deschamps last year ahead of the European Championship after nearly six years out due to his involvement in a sex tape scandal – and having been found guilty of conspiring to blackmail his teammate Mathieu Valbuena, which his lawyers pledged to appeal.

"When I wasn't on the French team, it was difficult, but I never gave up. I'm very proud of my path here. It wasn't easy, and it was a trying time for my family as well "He stated.

The Ballon d'Or has been awarded to men for 66 years by France Football magazine. The women's trophy debuted in 2018. Because of the pandemic, both were canceled in 2020.