Exiled from the French team for five and a half years because of his involvement in a blackmail scandal over a sextape involving a former teammate, Benzema's Ballon d'Or win last October had completed his own career redemption. The Real Madrid striker, now 35, scored 44 goals in 46 games for his club last season, inspiring them to glory in the Champions League and La Liga. He has continued to bang in the goals this season, AFP said. "I am really, really proud of my journey," he declared after claiming the Ballon d'Or. Current Ballon d'Or Alexia Putellas, who won the Best award last year, is again nominated for the women's prize, despite being out since July with a knee injury. England forward Beth Mead and US star Alex Morgan are the other finalists. Argentina's Lionel Scaloni is up for the men's coach's honor along with Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola. Sarina Wiegman, who won Euro 2022 with England, is up for the women's coach award with Sonia Bompastor of Lyon and Brazil's Pia Sundhage. Brazil star Richarlison's World Cup strike against Serbia is one of three nominees for the Puskas Award for best goal, named after Hungary great Ferenc Puskas. Marseille's Dimitri Payet and Polish amputee player Marcin Oleksy are also nominated, while there is also a category for the best male and female goalkeeper.