Karim Benzema, Real Madrid soccer player, became the fifth French player to win the Balón d’or at 34 years-old.  Benzema had an amazing season. He won the Spanish League (La Liga), leading Real Madrid to their 14th Champions League title and the Super Cup against Frankfurt. He has also become one of the few Real Madrid top scorers in the Champions.

“This prize in front of me makes me very proud. I never gave up, it was my childhood dream… I’m really proud of my journey to the Balón d’or” said Benzema after receiving the trophy from Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid’s previous coach.

Alexia Putellas, a woman’s Barcelona player, retains her title as the best female player for two years in a row. Putellas, won the La Liga and played the Champions league final against Lyon, even though it wasn’t successful. The Spanish player suffered a severe injury making it impossible for her to play in the women’s Euro Cup.