2021 Ballon d’Or Rankings: Messi Moves to the Top of the List -By Shereefdeen Sawe

The 2021 Ballon d’Or power ranking has taken yet another dimension owing to the dramatic moments witnessed at the Euro 2020 and Copa America 2020 in the middle of this year. The last year’s Edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the French Football’s Annual Accolade is back on track again with many stars across the five top leagues in Europe battling for the Prize.

Meanwhile, players’ performance in the international tournaments_ Euro 2020 and Copa America 2021 will play a major role in determining the winner of the award. A combination of votes from football Journalists, coaches, and team captains are used in deciding the winner. There’s still a long way to go as the award will not be given until December.

However, here are the top ten(10) favourites for 2021 Edition as of July, according to Goal.com

10. Erling Haaland

The Norwegian and 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker has already established himself as one of the clinical world-class strikers. He scored 24 goals in 27 appearances in the 2021 Bundeslinga campaign but his country’s absence in Euro 2020 has affected his chances in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

9. Federico Chiesa

The Italian international and Juventus winger has done so much enough to seal a spot on the list of Ballon d’Or contenders. Having registered 14 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances for Juventus, his fine form helped Italy to clinch the European title for the first time since 1968.

8. Kylian Mbappe The Paris Saint-German talisman had a stunning display in the UEFA Champions league but, his hopes to win the highest individual prize in football suffered a heavy knock after the French unexpected exit from Euro 2020 with him failing to register even a single goal. The 2018 World Cup winner scored 29 goals for PSG, won Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions 2021.
9. Kelvin De Bruyne

Despite his injury headache, the Belgium midfielder won the English Premier League title, Carabao Cup and emerged as the EPL player of the year. The Manchester City captain also played a crucial role in Euro 2020 for Belgium.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo Ronaldo the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had a relatively tough season in Serie A, nonetheless, the Portuguese Super Star has been wonderful. The 36-year-old Juventus forward was the top scorer of Serie A, Euro 2020 and also won Coppa Italia, 2021.
7. Jorginho

The midfielder played a key role in Chelsea’s Champions League success and Italy Euro 2020 glory.

4. Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian striker and former Manchester United player greatly helped Inter Milan to win their first Scudetto since 2010 and also scored four goals for Belgium in Euro 2020.

3. N’ Golo Kante The surprise package in the 2021 Ballon d’Or ranking and defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League victory but, France exit from Euro 2020 slim down his chances in the race of the award.
4. Robert Lewandowski

Every indication showed that the Poland striker and Bayern Munich goal machine could have won the cancelled 2020 Edition although he still has his head on this year’s Edition as well. Scoring 41 goals in only 29 appearances for Bayern Munich in the 2021 Bundesliga campaign.

1. Lionel Messi

The 35-year-old six-times Ballon d’Or winner has been ranked so far as the most favourite player to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or. Having won the award in 2019, the Barcelona Captain may add the 7th one to his career. Lionel Messi clinched a major international trophy, Copa America and became the joint top scorer of the tournament. Also, he was La Liga top scorer, provided the most assists and won Copa Del Rey for the Catalan giants FC Barcelona.