Canceling the Ballon d’Or award for 2020 has fans all around the globe wondering who would have received the special honor. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated recent years, earning the accolade 11 times each in the last 12 years.
Both players were there this time, and it would have been surprising if any of them had contributed to their total. Scoring 55 goals in 47 games to help Bayern Munich win the treble, Robert Lewandowski seemed to be a good option. The Polish striker is projected to be a prominent candidate in 2021, but who will stand his way?
While football is a team sport, some crucial individuals may significantly affect their teams’ overall success and performance. This is something that is considered for the Ballon d’Or award, and it is something that you should absolutely consider before placing your bets.
The Ballon d’Or award is unique because it considers an individual’s performance in both local leagues and international events. As a result, it’s critical to seek players who have been a part of successful teams at home and abroad: the Euro Championships, Champions League, and other significant contests to watch for outstanding individual performances.
Let’s look at some of the players in line for the most prestigious award in the football world.
Lionel Messi
Despite Messi’s 31 goals in 44 games in all competitions for Barcelona last season, the team failed to win a title. The 33-year-old has stated his desire to leave Barcelona this summer and will indeed have a point to prove. A transfer to the Premier League is an intriguing proposition. However, it would be irresponsible to dismiss Messi’s prospects of earning a seventh Ballon d’Or in 2021.
Robert Lewandowski
Let’s be fair: this person was a heavy favorite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, but now that the awards have been canceled, he’s undoubtedly feeling cheated. Last season, Lewandowski was a goal-scoring monster in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Moreover, his 2021 season is already looking promising.
Lewandowski’s goal-scoring heroics for Bayern are legendary. He could be a contender for the top player award next year. The 32-year olds record of 246 goals in 289 games for the German giants is incredible. He shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If the Polish striker continues in this vein next season, it would be a great surprise if he isn’t considered a favorite.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Although he scored a magnificent hat-trick in Serie A on Sunday to quiet those who thought Ronaldo was done at the highest level. There is no question that Juventus’ early elimination from the Champions League will significantly impact the forward’s Ballon d’Or hopes. Aside from scoring a hat-trick every week till the end of the season,
Ronaldo has two options for individual glory: assist Juventus in defeating Inter to win the Scudetto or defend the European Championship with Portugal.
Kylian Mbappe
Many football fans across the world have praised this young talent as the next great thing, and he is certainly living up to the hype. The primary reason we believe Mbappe has a chance to win the Ballon d’Or is that PSG has begun to play considerably better in Europe. He will also compete for France in the Euro Championships in the summer of 2021.
Erling Haaland
Haaland scored 44 goals in 40 games in all competitions, proving that he is deserving of the moniker “the next big thing” in European football. The Borussia Dortmund attacker will be part of an intriguing lineup that will aim to dethrone Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga next season. If the 20-year-old maintains his present rate of advancement, he may be a strong bet.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne was Manchester City’s best performer last season and might be in line for a breakout season for both club and country in 2020/21. City should compete for silverware next season, while Belgium is one of the favorites to win the European Championships. De Bruyne will be a crucial part of their efforts and provided he avoids injuries. He should be firmly in the race to be named the best player in the world.
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