Messi and Lewandowski are the leading candidates to pick up the prestigious prize, but many believe the Italian deserves it over them.
Jorginho has been backed to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or by Giorgio Chiellini.
Italy won this summer’s European Championships, with Jorginho being one of the most pivotal players behind their success.
He was also crucial to Chelsea’s Champions League triumph and top-four Premier League finish last season.
Many, as a result, consider the midfielder as a worthy candidate to claim football’s most distinguished award despite the fact that Lionel Messi, who helped Argentina to Copa America glory, and Robert Lewandowski, who had a record-breaking Bundesliga campaign last term, are among the favorites.
Chiellini is one of those who are of the view Jorginho deserves to become just the second player other than Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Golden Ball since 2008.
“I truly hope he will be able to win it, because he’s a good friend of mine,” said the Juventus defender, as Sky Sports reports.
“And it would also be an award that I will also feel is mine, being an Italian of course, and as a player involved in a win and emotions that will always be in our hearts.
“I’d always thought that Jorginho was a good player… Since (Italy boss Roberto) Mancini arrived and was able to give continuity, I was able to realise just how good he is and what a top player he really is. Maybe he doesn’t have the greatest physical qualities, but the real difference lies in his head and his mentality.”
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