Last season, the 34-year-old scored 44 goals in 46 games as Real Madrid won the Champions League, another LaLiga title, as well as the Spanish and European Super Cups.

In a ceremony in Paris, Benzema was crowned ahead of Sadio Mane of Bayern Munich (Liverpool last season) in second and Kevin De Bruyne in third.

Benzema becomes the first French winner of the Ballon d'Or since Zinedine Zidane, who presented him with the award in 1998.

The striker is also the oldest Ballon d'Or winner since Stanley Matthews received the award for the first time in 1956.

The Belgian midfielder, De Bruyn, who plays for Manchester City, is the highest placed player that plies his trade at an English club.

"It makes me really proud, all the work I did, I never gave up," said Benzema.

"It was a childhood dream like all kids have. I had two motivations in my life - Zidane and Ronaldo. "I've always had this dream in my mind that anything is possible."

"There was a difficult period where I wasn't in the French team, but I never stopped working hard nor gave up. I always kept my head, concentrated on playing football and I'm really proud of my journey here. It wasn't easy, it was a difficult time. It was hard for my family as well. 

"To be here today, for the first time for me, I'm happy and pleased with my work and I will keep going.

"I want to thank my teammates, whether it's Real Madrid or the national team. My coach, thanks to him as well. The Real Madrid president as well.

"I have a lot of people to thank. It's an individual prize, but it's a collective one because everyone has played a role."

The women's award went to Barcelona star Alexia Putellas, who beat runner-up Beth Mead of England after leading the Catalan club to the Spanish title with a perfect score.

Manchester City were named Club of the Year at a ceremony in Paris after winning their fourth Premier League title in five seasons, defeating runners-up Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport