(Paris) The two Real Madrid players Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois as well as Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) have been nominated for the UEFA best player of the year award, the European body announced on Friday.
Posted at 10:16 a.m.
This distinction, which rewards the best player playing on the continent whatever his nationality, will be awarded on August 25 during the draw for the group stage of the Champions League.
Main craftsman of 14e coronation of Real in C1 and top scorer in the competition (15), Benzema is a big favorite to succeed the Italian Jorginho on the list. In 2021/2022, the Frenchman scored 44 goals in 46 games for the Madrid club, also winning the Spanish Championship.
By doubling the lead against Frankfurt (2-0) on Wednesday in the European Supercup, Benzema (34) also became the 2e best artificer in the history of Real with 324 achievements, ahead of Madrid legend Raul.
To these club exploits, Benzema also added a national team trophy last season, the League of Nations, his only title with the France team.
His Belgian teammate Courtois was also decisive during Real’s journey in C1 while his compatriot Kevin De Bruyne won a 2e consecutive English title with Manchester City but failed in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Among the coaches, it is Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) and Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) who will try to succeed the German Thomas Tuchel.