The 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d’Or trophy has been revealed, with some very familiar names all making the list. Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, N’Golo Kante and Luka Modric making the list.
However, some surprising ones have also been included in the long list of competing players. Here is a look at the full list:
- Cesar Azpilicueta
- Nicolo Barella
- Karim Benzema
- Leonardo Bonucci
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Giorgio Chiellini
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ruben Dias
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Bruno Fernandes
- Phil Foden
- Erling Haaland
- Harry Kane
- Jorginho
- N’Golo Kante
- Simon Kjaer
- Robert Lewandowski
- Romelu Lukaku
- Riyad Mahrez
- Lautaro Martinez
- Kylian Mbappe
- Lionel Messi
- Luka Modric
- Gerard Moreno
- Mason Mount
- Neymar
- Pedri
- Mohamed Salah
- Raheem Sterling
- Luis Suarez
Gianluigi Donnarumma is also competing for the Yashin Trophy, while Pedri has also been nominated for the Kopa Trophy.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Simon Kjær, Gerard Moreno and Nicolo Barella are among the surprise inclusions in the list. Azpilicueta led Chelsea to their second Champions League trophy this summer while Moreno won the Europa League with Villarreal. Barella and Kjær were both very impressive in the Euros, and have made the list as a result.
Jorginho is among the favourites to win the trophy this year, with success for club and country befalling him. Robert Lewandowski could also be given the award after he broke Gerd Muller’s 40-goal record in the Bundesliga in fewer games.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are yet again in the conversation, and while Messi is in line for his seventh award, Ronaldo could match Messi at 6 if he is chosen as the winner.
