2021 Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi Makes History in Paris
The 2021 Ballon d'Or, translated as the "Golden Ball," marked the 65th annual celebration of footballing excellence. Presented by France Football, this prestigious ceremony recognizes the finest players in the world, bringing together the sport's elite to honor individual and collective achievements from the 2021 calendar year.
The event took place on November 29, 2021, at the historic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Hosted by Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso, the evening served as a definitive summary of the year's most impactful performances on the pitch.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Winner: Lionel Messi secured his record-extending 7th Ballon d'Or.
- Women's Winner: Alexia Putellas won her first Ballon d'Or Féminin.
- New Awards: The 2021 ceremony introduced the Best Club and Best Striker of the Year awards.
- Date and Venue: November 29, 2021, at Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris.
- Nominees: The official shortlist for all categories was announced on October 8, 2021.
The Race for the Golden Ball
The 2021 Men's Ballon d'Or was defined by a historic achievement for Lionel Messi. Messi claimed the award for a record seventh time, largely driven by his leadership as captain of Argentina, guiding the national team to the 2021 Copa America title—the country's first senior international trophy since 1993.
The competition for the top spot was fierce. Robert Lewandowski finished in second place following a prolific 2020–21 Bundesliga campaign where he set a record with 41 goals. Jorginho claimed the third position, recognized for his pivotal roles in winning both the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Euro 2020.
Expanding the Honors
In a move to broaden the scope of the ceremony, France Football introduced two new categories for 2021: the Best Club of the Year and the Best Striker of the Year. These additions allowed the organization to honor collective team success and specialized offensive excellence alongside the traditional individual trophies.
Award Winners Summary
The ceremony recognized excellence across various demographics and positions, from the world's best goalkeeper to the most promising young talent.
| Award | Winner | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ballon d'Or (Men) | Lionel Messi | 7th award (Record) |
| Ballon d'Or Féminin | Alexia Putellas | 1st award |
| Kopa Trophy | Pedri | 1st award (Best young player) |
| Yashin Trophy | Gianluigi Donnarumma | 1st award (Best goalkeeper) |
| Best Striker | Robert Lewandowski | 1st award |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2021 Ballon d'Or?
Lionel Messi won the 2021 Ballon d'Or, marking the seventh time he has received the award, extending his own record.
What is the Kopa Trophy?
The Kopa Trophy is an award presented to the best performing under-21 player in the world; in 2021, it was won by Pedri.
Who received the Yashin Trophy in 2021?
The Yashin Trophy, which recognizes the best goalkeeper of the year, was awarded to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Which new awards were introduced in 2021?
France Football introduced two new awards for the 2021 ceremony: the Best Club of the Year and the Best Striker of the Year.
Why did Lionel Messi win the 2021 award?
Messi's victory was heavily influenced by his success in captaining Argentina to their first senior international title since 1993 at the 2021 Copa America.