2021 was a year of significant upheaval in the world of football, marked by intense competition and unpredictable surprises. One of the most anticipated events was the Ballon d’Or ceremony – the prestigious award honoring the best football player on the planet.
This year, the award went to Lionel Messi, who had an impressive year, winning the Copa América title with Argentina and delivering outstanding performances for Barcelona and PSG. Messi’s victory cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time and marked a dramatic new chapter in the history of the Ballon d’Or award.
Messi Surpasses Ronaldo and Lewandowski
The race for the 2021 Ballon d’Or was fiercely contested between Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Robert Lewandowski. Messi surpassed these two formidable rivals to claim the title, reaffirming his undeniable appeal.
Lionel Messi had a triumphant year with the Argentinian national team. He led his national team to win the Copa América title after a 28-year wait, with impressive performances and peak form. Additionally, Messi was a mainstay for Barcelona and PSG, scoring numerous crucial goals and creating countless opportunities for his teammates.
Cristiano Ronaldo also had a successful year with Juventus and later Manchester United. However, his achievements were not enough to surpass Messi, especially after Portugal’s early exit from Euro 2020.
Robert Lewandowski, considered a strong contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or, had a sensational season with Bayern Munich, breaking numerous scoring records. However, Lewandowski and the Polish national team’s early elimination from Euro 2020 put him at a disadvantage compared to Messi and Ronaldo.
Other Notable Figures
Besides Messi, Ronaldo, and Lewandowski, several other notable figures were mentioned in the race for the 2021 Ballon d’Or. Among the most prominent were:
- Jorginho: The Italian midfielder had an excellent year with Chelsea, winning the Champions League and Euro 2020.
- Karim Benzema: The French striker shone brightly for Real Madrid, winning the Champions League and La Liga titles.
- N’Golo Kanté: The French midfielder had a successful year with Chelsea, winning the Champions League and Euro 2020.
The Significance of Messi’s Victory
Messi’s victory at the 2021 Ballon d’Or is a confirmation of his status as one of the greatest players of all time. He overcame challenges and criticism to win this prestigious award.
Messi’s victory is also a great motivation for young players, proving that persistence and effort are key to achieving success.
Conclusion
The 2021 Ballon d’Or award ceremony concluded with a convincing victory for Lionel Messi. He deserved this title after an impressive and successful year. Messi’s victory has affirmed his position as one of the greatest players of all time and opened a dramatic new chapter in the history of the Ballon d’Or award.
FAQ
- Who won the 2021 Ballon d’Or?
Lionel Messi won the 2021 Ballon d’Or. - Who were the top contenders for this award?
The top contenders for this award included Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Robert Lewandowski. - How many Ballon d’Or awards has Messi won?
Messi has won 7 Ballon d’Or awards. - What is the significance of Messi’s victory?
Messi’s victory is a confirmation of his status as one of the greatest players of all time. - Who won the Ballon d’Or in 2020?
Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or in 2020.
