Benzema Ballon d'Or 2022 Stats: A Data‑Driven Look at the French Striker’s Award‑Winning Season
Karim Benzema’s triumph at the 2022 Ballon d’Or marked a historic moment for both the player and Real Madrid. Recognised for his “incredible season,” the award‑winning forward delivered a blend of goals, assists, and work‑rate that set new benchmarks in European football. Below, we break down the key statistics that underpinned Benzema’s success and explain why the 2021‑22 campaign earned him the world’s most prestigious individual honour.
Overall Goal Contributions
Across all competitions, Benzema recorded an impressive total of 44 goals and 13 assists. His output was spread across three major tournaments:
- La Liga: 27 goals, 9 assists in 38 matches – a 0.71 goals‑per‑game ratio.
- UEFA Champions League: 15 goals, 3 assists in 13 games – the highest goal tally of any player in the tournament that season.
- Copa del Rey: 5 goals, 1 assist in 6 appearances.
These numbers not only placed Benzema among the top scorers in each competition but also highlighted his versatility as a playmaker, especially in decisive moments.
Key Performance Indicators
Beyond raw goal totals, a deeper dive into Benzema’s advanced metrics reveals the breadth of his contribution:
- Shot Accuracy: 62 % of his 129 total shots were on target, a marked improvement over the previous season.
- Expected Goals (xG): 38.2 – indicating that he consistently outperformed the quality of chances created for him.
- Key Passes: 42 across all competitions, showcasing his ability to generate scoring opportunities for teammates.
- Touches in the Opponent’s Box: 310