The Real Champs
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France Football’s Real Madrid decision causes controversy

ByBen Sundock|
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Luka Modric, Rodrigo and Marcelo of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy following their sides victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Luka Modric, Rodrigo and Marcelo of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy following their sides victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Real Madrid won La Liga, the Champions League in dramatic fashion, the Supercopa de Espana, and the UEFA Super Cup, yet they were not the club of the year at the Ballon d’Or gala, with that award going to Manchester City instead.

Real Madrid – despite winning the most competitive club competition in Europe and defeating the two teams ranked ahead of them in the Club of the Year from France Football – finished third in the rankings behind Manchester City and Liverpool.

Manchester City was handed the ‘Club of the Year’ award, after they won the Premier League. In fact, they won no other competition last season, with Liverpool taking home both the League Cup and the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side were knocked out of the semi finals of the Champions League by Real Madrid themselves.

Liverpool finished second in the Club of the Year rankings ahead of the team that beat them in the final of the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp’s side won the two domestic cup titles and finished second behind Manchester City in the Premier League.

Real Madrid not winning club of the year causes controversy

It is very surprising how both Manchester City and Liverpool finished ahead of Real Madrid when Carlo Ancelotti’s side defeated both clubs on their winning the Champions League for the 14th time.

The criteria upon which this award is given is still unclear though. As reported by Marca, contrary to the Ballon d’Or, it is not voted by journalists, and the election system is unknown.

On the other hand, as reported by GOAL, Manchester City were awarded the Club of the Year prize because they were the side with the most nominations in total across the men and women’s categories at the Ballon d’Or awards.

Real Madrid fans had enough to be happy about on the night though with Karim Benzema taking home the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career at 34 years of age while Thibaut Courtois was deservedly handed the Yashin Trophy.

Perhaps the entire controversy could have been avoided if the basis on which the club of the year was handed was well publicised and made clear to the fans.

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