Football news LIVE: Karim Benzema WINS Ballon d’Or ahead of Premier League stars as Spurs ‘requested’ Zaniolo transfer

REAL MADRID and France striker Karim Benzema has been named as the winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or.

It was a well deserved win for the 34-year-old, who has risen to be come one of the best players in world football as he beat a host of Premier League stars to the award, including Kevin De Bruyne, who finished third.

Elsewhere, Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo only had one ‘request’ for his transfer last summer and this came from Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite the enquiry, a move never materialised and Zaniolo remained a Roma player.

Furthermore, Newcastle United are believed to be considering a move for former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojchiech Szcezesny if Juventus decide to cash in on the Poland international.