My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2021

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2021. This ranking is based on the calendar year, not the season. What counts for this ranking is the player's regularity over the calendar year, the number of matches played, the ability to raise his level in big games, statistics (goals, assists, clean sheets, goals conceded, etc.) and trophies won (collective and individual).

In 2021, Gianluigi Donnarumma established himself as one of the world's finest goalkeepers, delivering a year of extraordinary performances. His heroics for Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020, held in 2021, were pivotal, especially in the final against England, where his crucial penalty saves secured Italy's triumph and earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award—a rare achievement for a goalkeeper. Donnarumma’s transition to Paris Saint-Germain marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Despite the challenges of joining a star-studded squad, his exceptional reflexes, composure, and ability to perform under pressure made him a standout figure. The year 2021 was undoubtedly a defining moment in Donnarumma’s journey, highlighting his remarkable talent and solidifying his place as a cornerstone for both club and country.

In 2021, Jorginho had a year to remember, cementing his place as one of football's most influential midfielders. As the heartbeat of both Chelsea and the Italian national team, he reached incredible heights. With Chelsea, he was instrumental in their Champions League victory, controlling the tempo and demonstrating his class in every match. But it was with Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 that Jorginho truly etched his name into football history, with his composed performances and those nerve-wracking yet signature penalties that became unforgettable. These achievements didn’t go unnoticed—he even landed third place in the Ballon d’Or rankings, an honor that reflected how much he meant to his teams. For Jorginho, 2021 wasn’t just another year—it was a defining one, a time when he proved to the world just how vital he is on the pitch.

In 2021, Kevin De Bruyne continued to prove why he is regarded as one of football's finest playmakers. As the creative engine of Manchester City, he played a pivotal role in their Premier League triumph, orchestrating attacks with his unmatched vision and precision passing. His ability to control the tempo of games and deliver decisive moments was on full display throughout the season. On the international stage, De Bruyne represented Belgium at the UEFA Euro 2020, where he showcased his resilience by playing through injury and contributing to his team's progress. Despite challenges, his performances highlighted his determination and class. For De Bruyne, 2021 was another year of brilliance, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.

In 2021, Mohamed Salah continued to demonstrate why he is one of the most electrifying players in world football. As Liverpool's talisman, he delivered consistently outstanding performances, combining his blistering pace, technical brilliance, and clinical finishing to lead his team through a challenging season. Salah's ability to score crucial goals and create opportunities for his teammates was on full display, making him a constant threat in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Despite Liverpool facing ups and downs as a team, Salah's individual brilliance shone through, earning him recognition as one of the league's top performers. For Salah, 2021 was a year that reinforced his status as a global superstar and a player capable of turning games on their head with moments of magic.

In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo continued to showcase why he remains one of football's greatest icons. Despite Juventus facing a challenging season, Ronaldo's individual brilliance shone through as he claimed the Serie A Golden Boot with 29 goals, proving his unmatched ability to deliver even under pressure. On the international stage, he made history during the UEFA Euro 2020 by becoming the all-time top scorer in European Championship history, with 14 goals across his career. Although Portugal's campaign ended in the Round of 16, Ronaldo's performances were a testament to his enduring talent and determination. Later in the year, his return to Manchester United marked a homecoming filled with excitement, as he quickly made an impact with crucial goals and leadership. For Ronaldo, 2021 was a year that reinforced his legacy as a player who continues to defy expectations and set new standards in the game.

In 2021, Kylian Mbappé experienced a year of contrasts, showcasing his brilliance while facing challenges that tested his resilience. At Paris Saint-Germain, he continued to dazzle with his electrifying pace, technical mastery, and decisive goals, solidifying his reputation as one of football's most exciting talents. On the international stage, however, his UEFA Euro 2020 campaign was less stellar, with France's early exit and his missed penalty against Switzerland marking a tough moment in his career. Yet, Mbappé bounced back later in the year, playing a key role in France's UEFA Nations League victory, reminding everyone of his extraordinary potential. Despite the ups and downs, 2021 was a year that highlighted both his immense talent and his ability to persevere through adversity.

In 2021, N'Golo Kanté delivered a year of brilliance that showcased his unique blend of skill, work ethic, and humility. As the driving force in Chelsea's midfield, he was instrumental in their UEFA Champions League triumph, earning widespread praise for his tireless performances and ability to dominate games with his defensive prowess and intelligent play. His remarkable campaign included being named Man of the Match not only in the final against Manchester City, where his exceptional work rate and ball recovery sealed Chelsea's victory, but also in both legs of the semi-finals against Real Madrid. Kanté's dominance in these pivotal matches highlighted his importance as one of the best midfielders in the world. On the international stage, he contributed to France's UEFA Nations League success, further cementing his legacy. For Kanté, 2021 was a defining year that celebrated his consistency, resilience, and ability to shine under pressure, proving his worth as a cornerstone for both club and country.

In 2021, Karim Benzema delivered a year of exceptional performances that reaffirmed his status as one of the best forwards in world football. As the leader of Real Madrid's attack, he consistently showcased his technical brilliance, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing, playing a pivotal role in their success. Benzema's influence extended to the international stage, where he made a triumphant return to the French national team after a six-year absence. His contributions were instrumental in France's UEFA Nations League victory, including a stunning goal in the final against Spain. Throughout the year, Benzema's consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments highlighted his immense talent and leadership. For Benzema, 2021 was a defining year that celebrated his resilience, skill, and enduring impact on the game.

In 2021, Lionel Messi experienced a year of triumphs and challenges, showcasing both his brilliance and adaptability. Leading Argentina to their first Copa América title in 28 years, Messi was the heartbeat of the team, finishing as the tournament's top scorer and assist provider while being named Player of the Tournament. At the club level, he bid an emotional farewell to FC Barcelona, where he secured the Copa del Rey and continued to demonstrate his world-class talent. However, his debut with Paris Saint-Germain was marked by a slow start, as he adjusted to a new environment and system, resulting in mixed performances during his early matches. Despite these challenges, Messi's playmaking ability began to shine later in the season, proving why he remains one of the most extraordinary talents in football history. For Messi, 2021 was a year of transitions, resilience, and undeniable moments of greatness.

In 2021, Robert Lewandowski delivered a year of record-breaking brilliance that solidified his status as the best player in the world for many fans, including you. Leading Bayern Munich, he shattered long-standing records, including Gerd Müller's nearly 50-year-old Bundesliga record by scoring an astonishing 41 goals in a single season. Across all competitions, Lewandowski netted an incredible 69 goals, averaging a goal per game—a feat unmatched by any other player that year. His consistency was remarkable, contributing directly to 80 goals with his assists included. Beyond his domestic dominance, he excelled on the international stage, earning the Golden Ball as the best player at the FIFA Club World Cup and maintaining a perfect record in the Champions League, where he scored 11 goals in just eight matches. For Lewandowski, 2021 was a year of unparalleled achievements, showcasing his lethal finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to deliver in every competition, making a strong case for him as the standout player of the year.