N’Golo Kante rates his 2021 Ballon d'Or chances

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante gave an honest verdict on his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or in 2021.

N’Golo Kante reckons it is a ‘bit early’ to say whether he can win the Ballon d’Or in 2021.

The 30-year-old has become a top contender for the award after his superb performances helped Chelsea win the Champions League last month. He can strengthen his claim by winning the upcoming European Championship with France.

N'Golo Kanté with the Ballon d'Or – make it happen! pic.twitter.com/5czahz8SSk

— 90min (@90min_Football) May 31, 2021

But Kante insisted in a press conference on Sunday that his focus does not lie on winning the Ballon d’Or.

“It’s a bit early to talk about it now,” Kante told reporters in response to his Ballon d’Or chances as quoted on Goal.

“We are in the middle of the year, there are six months left, and lots of matches and competitions to play. It’s not necessary to say today that I deserve it.”

The Chelsea star finished in eighth-place in the 2017 Ballon d’Or rankings. He was the second-highest midfielder in the list behind Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, who won the award a year later.

Kante added: “A few years ago I was in the top 10. It was the first time, and it was nice. But winning it is another story.

“It’s a great individual reward. I see it as the result of a good season for the players. It’s not a goal I’m working on. Those who won it in the past are players who have achieved great things during their career.”

Kante and France will play Bulgaria in Paris on Tuesday night for one last friendly before the European Championship begins.