The 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony handed out a number of awards to recognise the top talents in football over the past year. Here are all the awards handed out on the evening:
Kopa Trophy
Barcelona youngster Pedri was named the best youngster under 21, as he received the Kopa Trophy. The midfielder was a part of the Barcelona team that won the Copa del Rey. He was also instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2020 campaign, and played in all six matches of the tournament. Pedri was also in Spain’s squad as they won their silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics.
Yashin Trophy
Receiving the Trophée Yachine is a source of great pride for me. From my birth town of Castellammare di Stabia to Milan and now to Paris. Such a long road, so many changes. Life is a journey… (cont) pic.twitter.com/d55revDsmz
— Gianluigi Donnarumma (@gigiodonna1) November 29, 2021
Gianluigi Donnarumma was chosen as the best goalkeeper, ahead of Edouard Mendy and Jan Oblak. The Italy and PSG shotstopper was named the best goalkeeper in Serie A, while playing for AC Milan in 20/21. He was also named the player of the tournament in the Euros as he helped his country to the Euro title win.
Best Striker
The newly introduced award was given to Robert Lewandowski, who missed out on Ballon d’Or award. The Bayern Munich striker broke Gerd Muller’s record of scoring 40 goals in one Bundesliga season, and set his own record of 41. He has continued his scoring spree this season as well, with the Bavarian giants.
Best Club
The other newly introduced award was the Best Club award, given to Chelsea. The Blues have been the best defensive team in Europe since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel. The German coach also guided them to their second ever Champions League win, only months after taking over the managerial role.
The women’s team was also equally successful, with a domestic double to their name consisting of the WSL and League Cup.
Due to the travel restrictions, the Blues were not able to attend the award ceremony.
Women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas was named the best women’s player of the previous year. The Barcelona midfielder was a key part of the team as they won the treble, alongside the Champions League. Putellas scored 39 goals in 57 appearances for club and country. Her teammate, Jennifer Hermoso and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr finished second and third respectively.
Men’s Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for a seventh time, fending off competition from Robert Lewandowski, who finished second in the rankings. The Argentinian practically carried Barcelona for the 20/21 season winning the Pichichi Trophy and Copa del Rey. With Argentina, he lifted the Copa America trophy in the summer, the first of his international career.
