After leading the team to a record-extending 14th Champions League championship last season, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and coach Carlo Ancelotti were awarded UEFA Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. Benzema was in excellent form, scoring 15 goals during the league and winning the cup for the sixth time in his career as the Spanish team defeated Liverpool in the final.
Karim Benzema named UEFA player of the year
The most coveted club trophy in Europe was won by Ancelotti four times, making him the first coach to accomplish this feat. Prior to earning it with Real in 2014, he first won the championship with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007.
Ancelotti said, “The enthusiasm I have for the sport and the quality of the players,” when asked how he had become the most successful coach in the tournament. Last season, we achieved an incredible feat because to the wonderful camaraderie that existed between the veterans and the younger players, as well as the supporters.
Ancelotti stated the following about Benzema: “Karim is not just a wonderful striker and top scorer, he’s a fantastic footballer, accompanied with excellent mentality day by day.”
In comparison to previous year, he has increased his understanding this year. He is a great leader in the locker room and a close friend of mine. He also knows the game really well and how to handle it. Karim is a lucky find for us.
Women’s player of the year was won by Alexia Putellas of Barcelona, who edged out Beth Mead of England and Lena Oberdorf of Germany for the honour. Putellas scored 34 goals for Barcelona last season as the team won all of the domestic championships and advanced to the Champions League final. He also won the accolade together with the Ballon d’Or the previous year.
Although the 28-year-old tore her knee ligaments during practise, she was unable to compete in the Euros.
