The Ballon d’Or France Football has been awarded to Lionel Messi who wins his seventh trophy, a historic record. The Argentine is ahead of Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho, while Karim Benzema is not even on the podium.
The Ballon d’Or is a ray of light in the night. The glittering sequined jackets of Lionel Messi and his 3 children, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro; the blaze of Antonella’s golden dress, which sets the tone of her husband’s ambition, set the surroundings of the Théâtre du Châtelet, the setting for this 65th edition, ablaze with an unprecedented fervor. Yes, this is Messi, and this is the 7th time he has received this award. But, here, it is Messi of Paris especially, of PSG. This is only the second Ballon d’Or in the French championship after Jean-Pierre Papin in 1991 with OM.
In detail, Lionel Messi got 613 points from the voters. Robert Lewandowski, his runner-up, got 580. Jorginho is third with 460 points. Karim Benzema, fourth, is far behind (239 points).
Several other trophies were also awarded during the evening. The third female Ballon d’Or in history was awarded to the Spanish player Alexia Putellas, FC Barcelona, winner of the Champions League. Pedri, a young Barcelona player, won the Kopa trophy, Robert Lewandowski won the new trophy for the best striker of the year, Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG goalkeeper, won the Yachin trophy for the best goalkeeper of the year and finally Chelsea was elected best club of the season.
Winner of the Ballon d’Or, Leo Messi congratulated Robert Lewandowski, runner-up in the 2021 edition, while assuring that the Ballon d’Or 2020 was destined to him: ”I think he (Robert Lewandowski) has done a great year. He is getting better every year. He shows all the class he has, the ease he has to score goals. He got the award for the best scorer. I think he can claim (the Golden Ball) next year, with his form, his ability to do even better.”
This 2021 edition of the Ballon d’Or has given this verdict with the emergence of new faces:
- Best Player: Messi
- Best young player: Pedri
- Golden Ball for Women: Putellas
- Yachin Trophy: Donnarumma
- Striker of the year: Lewandowski
- Club of the year: Chelsea
Ronaldo’s run comes to an end
In the race for the Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi has just widened his gap with his long-time rival. While Ronaldo had returned to five wins each in 2017, the number 10 has just won two trophies in a row.
Seven Ballon d’Or for Messi
Five Ballon d’Or for Ronaldo
Sixth in the Ballon d’Or 2021 ranking, Cristiano Ronaldo did not finish on the podium for the first time since 2010.
