Ballon d'Or 2021: Meet Every Champion Who Claimed Football's Most Coveted Prize
The 2021 Ballon d'Or brought back a feeling of stability to the football world following the ceremony's cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Lionel Messi claimed the prestigious award for a record seventh time, he did so wearing Paris Saint-Germain's jersey for the first time. The Argentinian superstar had swapped his Barcelona colors for PSG's blue in one of football's most surprising transfers. However, just like in previous years, Messi gracefully accepted the honor at the ceremony.
Cristiano Ronaldo also completed a stunning transfer move, returning to Manchester United following his successful spells at Real Madrid and Juventus. For the Portuguese icon, this marked his first time finishing outside the top three since 2010.
Other significant contenders in the men's division included several Chelsea stars who overcame the odds to triumph over Manchester City in the Champions League final.
Below is the complete roster of victors from the 2021 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony.
2021 Ballon d'Or Results: Winners and Nominees
Men's Ballon d'Or 2021 Winner
A campaign primarily remembered for Lionel Messi's surprising exit from Barcelona, the Argentinian increased his tally to seven Ballon d'Ors in 2021 by leading Argentina to Copa América glory. Coincidentally, this was also the season when Cristiano Ronaldo made his comeback to Manchester United before eventually moving to the Saudi Pro League years later.
Among the nominees, some may find Jorginho's inclusion unexpected. However, the Italian was among the world's finest midfielders that season, capturing both the Champions League with Chelsea and the UEFA Euro with Italy.
Messi remains the sole PSG player to claim the award in the club's history, although this could potentially change in 2025.
Women's Ballon d'Or 2021 Winner
Barcelona and Spain sensation Alexia Putellas secured her first of two Ballon d'Ors, defeating Sam Kerr and Jennifer Hermoso, who completed the podium. Her victory represented the inaugural time a player from Barcelona's women's squad claimed the honor.
Yashin Trophy 2021 Winner
Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed his inaugural Yashin Trophy, becoming only the second recipient since the award's establishment in 2019.
Kopa Trophy 2021 Winner
Barcelona's promising midfield talent, Pedri, captured the Kopa Trophy, launching a period of Catalan supremacy in this category.
Gerd Müller Trophy 2021 Winner
Robert Lewandowski earned the Gerd Müller award, previously called the Striker of the Year. The renowned Polish forward netted 41 goals in a historic campaign for Bayern Munich, delivering this exceptional performance a season after Bayern's Champions League triumph under Hansi Flick, though the 2020 ceremony was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Club of the Year 2021 Winner
Chelsea received the Club of the Year honor based on the traditional criteria of having the most Ballon d'Or nominees across both men's and women's categories. The Blues featured five nominated players in each division. From a competitive standpoint, Chelsea also secured the Champions League title that season.