Ballon d’Or Guardiola names player who deserved to win award after Real Madrid’s defeat. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois deserved to win the Ballon d’Or last year.
The Belgium international enjoyed a stellar 2021-22 campaign, helping the La Liga giants to win the title as well as the Champions League.
The former Chelsea man conceded 46 goals in 52 matches across competitions and recorded 22 clean sheets, including one in their Champions League final win over Liverpool.
He went on to claim the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper of the season.
However, it was his Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema that won the prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or.
Benzema scored 44 goals and created 15 assists in 46 matches across competitions for Los Blancos last term.
Guardiola thinks it was the turn of Courtois to win the award last season with his striker Erling Haaland being widely tipped to win the gong this season, especially if they are able to win the Champions League.
Manchester City made it to the final of the Champions League last night by thrashing Real Madrid 4-0.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Guardiola said, “If they had given the Ballon d’Or to Courtois last year it would also have been deserved.”
