The 2021 Ballon d’Or award has a lot of strong contenders. Many players have shown remarkable consistency in the last year including some youngsters too. And with the two major tournaments, Copa America and Euro 2020 are at the final stage, the performance of the players in the last few matches could be a deciding one. So, let’s look at the five contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year.
5. Harry Kane (Tottenham/England)
Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. He is well known for his Playmaking, prolific goalscoring record, and Range shots. Also, he is one of those players who convert the set pieces more often. He started slowly in the Euro 2020 but has now scored 3 goals and looking more threatening at the moment.
Kane finished as leading goal-scorer and assist-maker in the Premier League 2020-21, a feat not achieved since 1994. He becomes only the third player to have won both the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards in the same season in the history of the Premier League. He scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists in the 2020-21 season. So, Harry Kane could well become one of the major contenders for the Ballon d’Or award if England goes on to win the Euro 2020.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Portugal)
One of the greatest players to have played the game. The one who loves to take on opponents and create chances for other players. The 36-year-old was in great form in the Euro 2020. He scored 5 goals in just 4 matches.
Ronaldo won the Serie A Golden Boot this season. He ended the league campaign with 29 goals, winning the Capocannoniere award for the highest goalscorer and becoming the first footballer to finish as top scorer in the English, Spanish, and Italian leagues. And if Cristiano Ronaldo somehow manages to win the Euro 2020 Golden Boot, which is currently looking a bit tough, then he can win the Ballon d’Or this year.
3. N’Golo Kante (Chelsea/France)
Kante has produced some match-winning performances in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. He was named man of the match as he won his first UEFA Champions League after Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1–0 in the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final.
One of the best mid-fielders currently, Kante has always been top-notch with his playmaking. France early exists from the world cup could hammer Kante’s Ballon d’Or chances. But he could do some magic at the start of the premier league season, then he has a good chance of winning Ballon d’Or this year.
2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina)
Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi is considered to be one of the greatest players to have played the game. He has scored 38 goals,14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona this past season. The top goalscorer in La Liga, Messi was announced as the winner of the Pichichi trophy for a record eighth time in his career in the season 2020-21. It was also a record fifth consecutive win in La Liga.
If Argentina goes on to win Copa America, Messi will have a great chance to win the Ballon d’Or award for the 7th time in his career. Messi is in stunning form and would finally end his trophy drought this year. Currently, Messi is the leading scorer in Copa America with 4 goals.
1. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland)
Easily, one of the best strikers in the world currently. He is well known for his goal-scoring ability, positioning, and finishing too. Overall, he is a complete package. Also, one of the most successful players in Bundesliga history.
He was awarded the Best Men’s FIFA player 2020.
Robert Lewandowski was in a flying form in the season 2020-21. He scored 48 goals from 40 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich this season. Robert played a key role in Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga winning campaign. He also won his first European Golden Shoe award. Currently, Robert Lewandowski is the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or award in 2021.