In Istanbul, Real Madrid celebrated a night filled with recognitions as the Champions League awards ceremony announced a sequence of honours tied to the season just completed. The club took home several trophies, underscoring its status as a dominant force across European football. The gathering highlighted not only team success but also individual performances that defined the campaign, confirming Real Madrid’s standing at the pinnacle of the competition.
Ancelotti and his master Sacchi
The year’s best coach accolade went to Carlo Ancelotti. While Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola had been perennial contenders in recent seasons, Ancelotti’s leadership was recognized for steering Real Madrid through a demanding calendar and achieving remarkable results. The coach spoke warmly of his mentor Arrigo Sacchi, a figure who shaped his approach at every stage of his career. Sacchi served as teacher and guide, and he is celebrated by UEFA as a foundational influence on modern coaching. With a career that has seen him lift multiple domestic titles and achieve deep runs in Europe, Ancelotti’s triumph marks a rare milestone: the coach who has won major trophies across five leagues, stepping into a record-setting position in European football history.
Alexia Putellas reaffirms her crown as Europe’s best player
Alexia Putellas, captaining a class of players who have carried their teams through demanding seasons, was recognized as Europe’s standout talent. The award shines a light on a player who has overcome injury to return to elite form and contribute decisively to her team’s ambitions. Her dedication helped Barcelona secure momentum and drew large crowds to key fixtures in a season that tested resilience and teamwork alike. The recognition also serves as a public testament to the strength of women’s football across Europe, inspiring young players and fans across the continent. The moment was celebrated by supporters who had watched her lead from the front and deliver performances that matched the team’s high tempo and technical excellence. Credit: UEFA awards records for 2022.
@BenzemaUEFA Player of the Year award! Congratulations Karim! #UEFAawards | #UCLdraw
Real Madrid carried the banner of the night with Karim Benzema featured prominently in social coverage celebrating his role in the campaign. The French forward’s performances solidified his status as one of the period’s most influential attackers. While the season’s top scorer tally reflected his clinical finishing, the broader recognition highlighted the collaborative effort within Madrid’s squad that propelled the club deep into the knockout rounds. The event underscored how Benzema’s leadership on and off the pitch helped drive the team through tough challenges and clutch moments that kept their campaign alive. The atmosphere around the Bernabéu and across the stadiums echoed the sentiment that such achievements are the result of collective work and unwavering support from teammates, staff, and fans alike.
Karim is the best
Karim Benzema received the season’s top individual accolade for the Champions League, with his tally as the tournament’s leading scorer standing out as a defining element of Real Madrid’s success. The season pointed toward a potential Ballon d’Or consideration, as Benzema’s performances reinforced the narrative of a player who blends technical finesse with a competitive edge that unsettles defenses. In comments after the award, Benzema emphasized that the prize belongs to the entire squad, acknowledging the teammates who created the platform for his personal achievements. He also paid tribute to the fans, recalling the club’s famous comebacks at the Bernabéu and the pivotal moments that shaped the campaign. The sentiments reflected the shared pride within the Real Madrid family as they reflected on a season that blended individual brilliance with collective resolve.
Real Madrid’s celebrations also spotlighted the coaches and players who contributed to a memorable chapter in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. The award ceremony served as a reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal, where talent, teamwork, and perseverance converge to write new pages in football history. The night’s highlights—ranging from managerial acclaim to player recognitions—illustrated how European football continually evolves, attracting fans from Canada to the United States who follow the sport’s grand stage with passion and anticipation. The achievements were commemorated in a spirit of shared pride, with supporters and clubs around the continent inspired by the performances that defined the season. Credit: UEFA official communications.