Kobe of 2022 and Karim Benzema’s Golden Year
In 2022, Karim Benzema reached a pinnacle few players ever touch. The French striker earned the Ballon d’Or as he approached the mid-point of his mid thirties, turning 34 that December 19 and celebrated his 35th birthday just days later. He poured in 44 goals in 46 appearances for the 2021-2022 season, a haul that helped Real Madrid capture key trophies including the 14th Champions League, La Liga, the European Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup. These achievements crowned a remarkable stretch that solidified Benzema as one of the club’s all-time greats.
Katie Ledecky, from child prodigy to legend
In the same year, a different kind of leadership emerged within the sporting world. Katie Ledecky demonstrated the evolution from prodigy to enduring icon, guiding her team with a steady mix of precision, resilience and leadership that inspired teammates and fans alike. Her influence extended beyond the pool as she became a model of consistency and ambition for younger athletes worldwide.
At Real Madrid, Benzema stood out as the captain and natural leader. His 617 official appearances and 329 goals underpin his legendary status, a legacy built since his arrival from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2009. His impact extended beyond statistics, shaping the ethos of the squad through decisive performances and quiet, influential moments on the pitch.
Team moments amplified his standing. His contributions were highlighted by a series of standout performances that showcased his vision, finishing, and ability to elevate those around him. The season included dramatic comebacks and decisive goals that reinforced his reputation as a forward who could change the course of a match when it mattered most.
Amid the season, Benzema remained a focal point in conversations about Real Madrid and European competition. From hat tricks that sparked late surges to crucial assists, his influence on the club’s attack was unmistakable. His capacity to read the game and convert chances under pressure elevated him to a peak of maturity and effectiveness that fans and critics noted with admiration.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge
On a different stage, Eliud Kipchoge continued to redefine the limits of human endurance. His discipline, focused training, and relentless pursuit of excellence set him apart and inspired countless athletes from diverse sports. Kipchoge’s approach to preparation, pace control, and strategic thinking has become a benchmark for training philosophies worldwide.
Bad relationship with Deschamps
By year’s end, attention also turned to the relationship between a player and his national team coach. In Benzema’s case, tensions with Didier Deschamps affected his World Cup availability despite a long-standing record with the French national side. The evolving dynamic created a storm of speculation about selection and participation in major tournaments.
The two had a complex history, with Benzema having not played for Les Bleus during a stretch earlier in his career, yet contributing significantly when selected. In 2022, France faced decisions about qualification and participation in the World Cup, but an injury to the forward and strategic choices by the staff ultimately influenced the outcome. After a period of rehabilitation at Valdebebas, Benzema returned to the club as a fully recovered player and later publicly reflected on the path that led him there.
In a social media message, Benzema expressed pride in his journey and hinted at the evolving chapter of his career. Journalists pressed him to explain his situation, and he responded with concise reflections on leadership, resilience, and the choices that shaped his football life. The broader narrative of his World Cup experience highlighted both the challenges and the inspiration drawn from teammates and fans.
2022 was undoubtedly a landmark year for Karim Benzema. The Ballon d’Or crowned a season defined by prolific scoring, critical momentum, and a leadership that helped Real Madrid secure historic trophies. His year was also marked by the personal and professional decisions that defined his public narrative as a world-class striker and a mentor within his club.
Meanwhile, the world watched as other stars and pioneers continued to push boundaries. The stories of leadership, perseverance, and excellence crossed borders and disciplines, from football fields to running tracks and beyond. They served as reminders that dedication and heart can translate into moments of lasting greatness.