Karim Benzema named Champions League player of the season

Benzema's team-mate Vinicius Jr, who scored the only goal in the final, has been selected as the tournament's young player of the season.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates after winning the Champions League.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been named the Champions League Player of the Season after a stellar 2020-21 campaign where he finished as top scorer, UEFA said on Tuesday.

France international Benzema, 34, won the competition for the fifth time as Real beat Liverpool 1-0 in the final, having netted 15 goals in 12 games, including hat-tricks against Paris St Germain and Chelsea in the knockout stages.

WATCH: Two United fans look back at Liverpool's UCL final loss

 

Benzema's team mate Vinicius Junior, who scored the only goal in the final in Paris, was named the tournament's Young Player of the Season.

 

The duo was also named in the Team of the Season alongside Real midfielder Luka Modric and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who played a starring role in the showdown at Stade de France.

Runner-up Liverpool was represented by defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, as well as midfielder Fabinho.

PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne completed the lineup.

Team of the season: Goalkeeper:  Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) Defenders:  Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Andy Robertson (Liverpool) Midfielders:  Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Fabinho (Liverpool), Luka Modric (Real Madrid) Forwards:  Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)