2022 has been quite the year in the football world, with incredible highs and devastating lows marking a remarkable 12-month period.
In that time, there have been a number of stars that have emerged, and we're taking a look at the top 5 talents that shone in 2022.
Football Stars of 2022
When taking a look back at the last 12 months, it's hard to remember quite exactly all of the little details.
Real Madrid stormed forward to another Champions League title, Manchester City grabbed glory on the final day and a number of clubs stamped their authority in their respective leagues.
That being said, the following five stars went above and beyond and truly stood out amongst the rest.
Karim Benzema
In a year where team spirit has shone, Karim Benzema has proven that the power of the individual can still be oh so important.
Whilst the Madrid squad played a large part in their success, it was French striker Benzema that rolled back the years and showcased his greatest-ever season.
Helping Real to another Champions League and swooping up the Ballon d'Or, it's certain that 2022 will be a year that Karim Benzema will never forget.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka epitomises the Arsenal spirit that has infected the Premier League this season.
The Gunners have proven many people wrong and Saka has done the same along the way, putting to bed his Euros woes and establishing himself as one of the very best in the Premier League.
Now performing on the world stage for England, Saka is a certified superstar that shone brighter than most in 2022.
Erling Haaland
This man was always going to get a mention, with the Norwegian strike proving that he is the very best in the world right now.
Signing from Dortmund in the summer, Haaland has already broken countless records, gobbling up the world-class service from a man that just missed out on this list, Kevin De Bruyne.
With City's dreams of Champions League success still ringing in the mind, 2023 could be the year that Haaland dominates the football world and finally takes City to glory.
Mykhaylo Mudryk
The next two players may not be the best football stars of 2022, but their stories have certainly touched us all.
The story of Mykhaylo Mudryk is incredibly inspiring, with the Ukraine youngster dominating both domestically and globally with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Much like the incredible strength shown by his teammates, Mudryk's ability to turn in top-class performances, despite the horrors of war in his homeland, has been an inspiration to many.
Mudryk has the adoring eyes of the world cast on him right now, and a major money move looks to be on the cards in the coming months.
Jay Stansfield
Many of you may not know the story of Jay Stansfield, but we've no doubt you'll be reaching for the tissues once you do.
Stansfield, currently on loan at Exeter City from Fulham, is a 19-year-old striker with the world at his feet.
His father, Adam, tragically passed away in 2010, during his time as a player for Exeter.
Adam was an iconic number 9 for the Grecians and in the summer of 2022, Jay emulated his father by returning to the southwest and donning the famous number 9 shirt that had been retired in honour of his dad.
It takes many things to be a star in the world of football and Jay's story is another one of true triumph and inspiration.
We can't wait to see what all of these stars will show in the coming year.