Ballon d’Or 2022 Goalkeepers, defenders don’t get award – Courtois reacts to Benzema’s win. Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid has claimed that winning the Ballon d’Or is “impossible” for a goalkeeper.
Despite playing a major part in Los Blancos’ Champions League and LaLiga double, the 30-year-old ended sixth in the 2022 rankings.
Although Courtois was the top goalkeeper on the list, he finished last on the shortlist, behind teammates Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Kevin De Bruyne, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappe.
The Ballon d’Or for best goalkeeper was awarded to the Belgian international as well. Lev Yashin was the only goalkeeper to win the award in its history in 1963.
When asked if a goalie could win the prize again, Courtois responded to RTVE, “The fact is that I think it’s impossible.”
“We all believe that Karim deserves it, of course. But considering the year I had as a goalkeeper, it says a lot when you win the Champions League, the league, play in the Champions League final, and your team wins it thanks to your saves.
“Goaltenders don’t receive any votes. There were no defenders in the top 10 either. It is what occurs. It’s a little challenging. But at least they awarded me the best goalie trophy,” he said.
