Lionel Messi’s reported rivals for this year’s Ballon d’Or include Chelsea and Italy hero Jorginho as well as N’Golo Kante.
Messi won his first trophy for Argentina as his side beat Brazil to win the Copa America. He also won player of the tournament, scoring and creating more goals than anyone.
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| Image: PA |
A quiet season with Barcelona by his standards despite winning the Copa del Rey, he still looks like a good bet to win the Ballon d’Or, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Many have tipped N’Golo Kante to be a close rival following his role in Chelsea’s Champions League success.
The Frenchman was ‘Man of the Match’ in the win over Manchester City, but his chances could be halted by France’s poor display at Euro 2020 having been knocked out by Switzerland in the last-16, after being pre-tournament favourites.
Jorginho has also received outside tips. He’s enjoyed a dazzling year, winning both the Champions League and Euro 2020.
The Brazilian-born playmaker was key to Italy’s Euro 2020 success, having knocked Spain out of the competition with his penalty in the shootout
Jorginho truly deserves the Ballon d’Or. Integral to both Chelsea and Italy. Performing on the biggest stages. Double European Champion 👏 pic.twitter.com/4DGsdSayfG
— CfcSheikh (@CfcSheikh) July 11, 2021
Amongst other contenders for the individual award are; Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Federico Chiesa.
As Messi just won the Copa America,
Every other Ballon D’Or contenders no longer exists.
7th Ballon D’Or loading. pic.twitter.com/B1wO4uFFmX
— Argentina Principal ⚽ ❤️💙 (@BarcaPrincipal) July 11, 2021
Many had suggested that if England had won Euro 2020 then Three Lion’s captain Harry Kane would’ve been favourite for the award.
Despite the Tottenham man’s poor start to the competition, he scored 4 goals in the knockout stages.
Another outside bet is Italy’s captain Giorgio Chiellini who performed heroically at Euro 2020.
A defender hasn’t won the prize since Fabio Cannavaro led Italy to 2006 World Cup success… could the coincidence reoccur.
Furthermore, a goalkeeper hasn’t won the Ballon D’Or since 1963 when Lev Yashin lifted the award, Donnarumma’s sublime Euro 2020 display and final performance, saving 2 penalties could pose him in a good position to scoop the award.
Whoever takes the prize home will do well to sneak it off the favourite Messi.