The 2021 Ballon d’Or left us with an edition full of debate and emotions, with five figures from world football who shone in an atypical season marked by the pandemic, but full of success. From Lionel Messi, who won his seventh award, to N’Golo Kanté, the tireless driving force of European champion Chelsea, each one left an indelible mark on elite football. This top 5 reflects the diversity of styles and contributions to the sport, with players who not only scored goals, but also dominated the midfield and redefined leadership on the pitch. Join us as we analyze the impact of each one in an unforgettable year for world football.
In fifth place with 186 votes, he was a key player in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph, particularly standing out in the final stages of the tournament. His ability to win back the ball, his inexhaustible energy and his tactical intelligence made him an indispensable player for both the club and the French national team. His exceptional performance in the Champions League placed him among the best in the world in 2021.
Fourth with 239 votes, Benzema had an excellent season with Real Madrid, being the team’s top scorer and its offensive leader after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Although Real Madrid did not win any major titles, Benzema demonstrated a very high level, consolidating himself as one of the best strikers in the world and regaining his place in the French national team, with which he won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
Third place with 460 votes, he was a key player for both Chelsea and the Italian national team. He won the Champions League with Chelsea, being key in midfield, and also lifted the Euro 2020 trophy with Italy, standing out in his role as playmaker. His ability to control the pace of matches and his consistency led him to be one of the main contenders in 2021.
Second with 580 votes, Lewandowski had a spectacular season with Bayern Munich, scoring 48 goals in 40 games and breaking Gerd Müller’s record for most goals in a Bundesliga season (41 goals). Although he didn’t win the Champions League, Lewandowski was unstoppable on an individual level and many considered him worthy of the Ballon d’Or, especially after being considered the favourite in 2020, when the award was cancelled.
Messi won his seventh Ballon d’Or in 2021 with 613 votes, standing out in his final season with Barcelona, where he was key in winning the Copa del Rey. His performance with the Argentine national team was crucial in winning the Copa América, his first major title with Argentina. This international success was a key factor in his victory, in addition to his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, which generated a lot of expectation.
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