Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema won the men's Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first Frenchman to claim the most prestigious individual prize in football since Zinédine Zidane almost a quarter of a century ago. In the women's Ballon d'Or contest, Alexia Putellas of Spain saw off stiff competition to win the award for the second year running.

🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen
🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN

🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/

Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen
Follow us on Twitter: https://f24.my/TWen
Discover the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen