Lionel Messi won the men’s Ballon d’Or for a record-extending seventh time in his career on Monday. Messi had a dream run in 2020, ending the year in style after a brilliant final season with Barcelona and winning his first major international trophy with Argentina. Alexia Putellas became the winner of the women’s Ballon d’Or 2021 award.
Messi became the first-ever player to win the prestigious award while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. He won his international trophy with Argentina at the Copa Aerica 2021. The 34-year-old was the best player at Copa America, winning both the Golden Ball and the Best Player award. Messi scored four goals and provided five assists in seven appearances. He also became the second Ligue 1 player to win it after Jean-Pierre Papin did it for Marseille in 1991.
Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, who was the favorite to win the award in 2020, came second to Messi but became the first winner of the Striker of the Year award. Lewandowski scored 53 times in 42 appearances across all competitions so far in 2021, averaging a goal every 67 minutes. Barcelona youngster Pedri won the Kopa Trophy while PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the winner of Yachine Trophy 2021.
Full list of all winners during the Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21) – Pedri (Barcelona)
Best Striker of the Year award – Lewandoski (Bayern Munich)
Women’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Yachine Trophy 2021 – Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Men’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – Lionel Messi (PSG)
Club of the Year award – Chelsea