Ballon d’Or top 10 list 2021
#1. Lionel Messi (Argentina / paris Saint Germain)
Last time: 1st
In 2021: 37 goals, 14 assists. Won Copa America & Copa del Rey.
If there were any doubts over whether Messi's slow start to life at PSG could affect his Ballon d'Or chances, he made sure to shut them down with his outrageous effort against Man City.
Producing such a moment in such a eye-catching Champions League game will, in all likelihood, ensure a seventh prize for the legendary Argentine come December.
Last time: 2nd
In 2021: 50 goals, eight assists. Won Bundesliga, Club World Cup & DFL-Supercup.
Reports last week claimed that the 2020 Ballon d'Or will, in fact, be awarded to Lewandowski at this year's ceremony after it was originally cancelled due to the pandemic.
If that proves to be the case, then it will be just reward for the Bayern star after the best two years of his career.
Last time: 3rd
In 2021: Five goals, two assists. Won Euro 2020, Champions League & UEFA Super Cup.
If Jorginho adds the Nations League title to the Euro 2020 and Champions League winners' medals he already owns from this year, will that be enough for him to leapfrog those ahead of him in the Ballon d'Or race?
It might not be a popular decision if it does, but voters put more stock in trophies than maybe they should
Last time: 8th
In 2021: 34 goals, four assists. Won Coppa Italia & Supercoppa Italiana.
A mixed week for Ronaldo, as he went from leaving the Old Trafford pitch on Wednesday with his name ringing around the stadium following his stoppage-time heroics versus Villarreal to trudging off in something of a strop after Saturday's draw with Everton.
Last time: 5th
In 2021: 29 goals, eight assists. Won Serie A.
Any lingering hopes Lukaku had of winning the Ballon d'Or may have now gone after his superb start to life back at Chelsea slowed in recent weeks, though he could still resurrect his chances of a podium-finish by nettting for Belgium in the Nations League finals.
Last time: 5th
In 2021: 29 goals, eight assists. Won Serie A.
Any lingering hopes Lukaku had of winning the Ballon d'Or may have now gone after his superb start to life back at Chelsea slowed in recent weeks, though he could still resurrect his chances of a podium-finish by nettting for Belgium in the Nations League finals.
Last time: 6th
In 2021: 41 goals, 13 assists. Won DFB-Pokal.
Injuries have stalled Haaland's progress after his hot start to the season, and Dortmund will hope that the Norwegian is not missing for too much longer as they aim to launch a title challenge in the Bundesliga.
#8. Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid)
Last time: 10th
In 2021: 32 goals, 13 assists.
Now the undisputed best player of 2021 who has not yet won a majory trophy, the Real Madrid frontman could yet change that if he can fire France to glory in the Nations League finals this week.
Last time: 7th
In 2021: 33 goals, 12 assists. Won Coupe de France & Trophee des Champions.
While Mbappe and Neymar's relationship seems to be growing frosty at PSG, the France international does at least seem to have sparked up a decent connection with Lionel Messi, as higlighted by the part he played in the Argentine's stunning strike against Man City.
Last time: 9th
In 2021: 12 goals, 11 assists. Won Premier League & Carabao Cup.
De Bruyne may have rescued a point for Manchester City at Liverpool on Sunday, but the Belgium star remains short of his absolute best as he aims to shake off the injury problems that have plagued him in the second half of 2021.
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