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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and coach Carlo Ancelotti were named UEFA Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively, after leading the club to a record-extending 14th Champions League title last season.
Benzema was on fire in the competition, scoring 15 goals and lifting the trophy for the fifth time in his career after Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the final.
“Karim is not just a fantastic striker and top scorer, he’s a fantastic footballer, supported by great attitude day by day,” said Ancelotti.
“Compared to last year, this year he improved his knowledge, he knows the game really well, how to manage the game and he’s a strong leader in the dressing room and a good friend of mine. We are lucky to have Karim.”
Alexia Putellas of Barcelona was named women’s player of the year, beating out England’s Beth Mead and Germany’s Lena Oberdorf.
Putellas, who won the award alongside the Ballon d’Or last year, scored 34 goals for Barcelona last season as the club won all of its domestic trophies and advanced to the Champions League final.
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