French outlet France Football announced winners for six separate awards in a gala in Paris, including the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or.
Men’s Ballon d’Or – Lionel Messi
The Paris Saint-Germain star won a seventh Ballon d’Or award on Monday night.
Lionel Messi, who joined PSG in the summer from Barcelona, had another terrific year. He continued to dazzle spectators with his mesmerizing skills and stats over at Camp Nou, and led Argentina to Copa America glory – his first major international title.
Check out the final points standings for the men’s Ballon d’Or here.
HERE IS THE WINNER!
SEVEN BALLON D’OR FOR LIONEL MESSI! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/U2SywJmruC
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
Women’s Ballon d’Or – Alexia Putellas
The 27-year-old midfielder helped Barcelona win a treble in the Spanish league, Queen’s Cup, and the Champions League treble.
As a result, Alexia Putellas has become the first Spanish Ballon d’Or winner since the legendary Luis Suarez in 1960.
Check out the final points standings for the women’s Ballon d’Or here.
👸 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃@alexiaputellas @FCBfemeni #BallondOr pic.twitter.com/I1jtxZ5rZH
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 29, 2021
Kopa Trophy – Pedri
The 18-year-old midfielder was sensational for club and country in 2021. He not only broke into the Barcelona first-team in his debut campaign, but he also became indispensable for the Catalan giants. His efforts led to a Copa del Rey title and a maiden call-up to the Spanish national team.
He then went on to star in Euro 2020 and win Gold in the summer Olympic Games.
Check out the full story here on Ace Football.
👶 Best young footballer in the world!
👏 Congratulations, PEDR1!🏆 @PEDRI #Ballondor #KopaTrophy pic.twitter.com/P53rSm3Fvi
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 29, 2021
Yashin Trophy – Gianluigi Donnarumma
The 22-year-old became only the second goalkeeper to win the Yashin Trophy since its induction in 2019.
2021 was, without a doubt, the biggest of Donnarumma’s young career so far. He kept an impressive 14 clean sheets in 37 Serie A games to help AC Milan claim a second-place finish.
But Donnarumma, who joined PSG in the summer, saved his best for last by saving decisive penalties in the Euro 2020 semi-finals and the final itself to help Italy become European champions.
Check out the full story here on Ace Football.
(Cont) I consider myself a lucky man who has already been able to fulfill some important dreams – and this award is one of these. But there are still many others I want to pursue 🧤🏆 @francefootball #tropheeyachine #ballondor
— Gianluigi Donnarumma (@gigiodonna1) November 29, 2021
Striker of the Year – Robert Lewandowski
Many fans may feel Robert Lewandowski was hard done by in finishing second in the 2021 Ballon d’Or, especially as he probably should’ve won it last year, but at least he didn’t leave Paris empty-handed.
In the first of two new awards, France Football crowned the Pole as the Striker of the Year.
Lewandowski scored a whopping 64 goals last season alone, 18 more goals than his nearest rival Kylian Mbappe and 22 more than third-place Messi.
He also won the European Golden Shoe after scoring a record of 41 goals in the Bundesliga last season.
Congratulations Leo Messi and @alexiaputellas winners of the #BallonDor2021, congratulations also to all nominated players!👏 I won Striker of the Year Award and no Player can win an individual award without strongest team and loyal fans behind him. Thank you for your support🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/I6j4BtluYS
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) November 29, 2021
Club of the Year – Chelsea
In the second of France Football’s two new awards, Chelsea won the 2021 Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or gala.
The Blues won this award in recognition of the success that the men’s and women’s teams both enjoyed in 2021.
On the men’s side, Chelsea – led by Frank Lampard and later Thomas Tuchel – won the Champions League. They also had five players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante making the top five. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, came second in the Yashin Trophy.
As for the women’s team, Chelsea won the WSL under Emma Hayes. The Blues also had four players nominated for the Feminin Ballon d’Or award, with Sam Kerr finishing in a strong third.
Club of the Year, that’s the tweet. 💙#BallonDor pic.twitter.com/mHU309Xvap
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 29, 2021
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