Paris, 30 November 2021 (TDI): On 29 November 2021, Paris witnessed the 65th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The ceremony was organized to award the best players of the season in all categories. During the ceremony, the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, the Kopa trophy, Yashin Trophy and two new awards, including the striker of the year and the Club of the year, were introduced.
Have a good night 😴
We will see you very soon… #BallondOr pic.twitter.com/6Opu3ltvFR
— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 30, 2021
The men’s Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or in the men’s category was won by none other than the living legend of football, Lionel Messi. He won this title for a record seventh time and became the first player to have the honor of having the first five, six, and seven Ballon d’Ors.
Messi was voted as the best player of the season ahead of Robert Lewandowski by hundreds of international journalists and football players. The former FC Barcelona player received his record-breaking award from his best friend and former teammate Luis Suarez.
𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐒 pic.twitter.com/eTAuR4jq1t
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 30, 2021
During his speech at the ceremony, Lionel Messi thanked his team, his teammates, the staff, and a special thanks to his family.
The woman’s Ballon d’Or
The women Ballon d’Or was awarded to this season’s women Champions League winner and the attacking midfielder of Football Club Barcelona Alexia Putellas. She was one of the most prominent and finest midfielders for FC Barcelona during their previous season campaign.
Alexia Putellas won her first Ballon d’Or trophy after competing with Jennifer Hermoso, Sam Kerr, Lieke Martens, and Vivianne Miedema.
🏆 Alex1a. Long may she reign.#MoreThanEmpowerment pic.twitter.com/Mwb0xw5TGB
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 29, 2021
During her speech at the Ballon d’Or gala, she thanked her Club, teammates, and her family for their unconditional support throughout her football career.
Kopa Trophy
The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best under 21 and emerging football star, and this year witnessing the flawless season performance, Pedri Gonzalez was declared the winner. Pedri is one of the finest and emerging talents that FC Barcelona has ever signed.
The Rise of a Star #DreamTeen pic.twitter.com/wL4y1WBOHp
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 29, 2021
The young midfielder played a total of 73 matches for country and Club and performed tremendously throughout the season. Not to forget that Pedri was also declared as the Golden Boy of this year. At the age of 18, he also became the youngest player ever to start a Euro Knockout match. He plays for Spain and FC Barcelona.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pedri thanked his Club, his teammates, and especially Lionel Messi for his support at the early stage of Pedri’s career at Barcelona.
Yashin Trophy
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the PSG and Italian goalkeeper, was awarded the Yashin Trophy after his impressive goalkeeping during the previous season. He was part of the Euro-winning side of Italy. His goalkeeping was impressive throughout the year that he ended up as the UEFA Euro 2020 player of the tournament.
Striker of the year
This year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, a new award named as the striker of the year was awarded to the FC Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski. He had a tremendous season for his Club FCB. Along with it, Robert was also the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or 2020 that was ruled out due to Covid-19.
Congratulations Leo Messi and @alexiaputellas winners of the #BallonDor2021, congratulations also to all nominated players!👏 I won Striker of the Year Award and no Player can win an individual award without strongest team and loyal fans behind him. Thank you for your support🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/I6j4BtluYS
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) November 29, 2021
Club of the year
Along with the striker of the year, for the first time in the Ballon d’Or history, a new team award was introduced titled the Club of the year. This award was awarded to the Chelsea Football Club for their impressive league and Champions League campaign. This year, Chelsea ended their season by becoming the Champions of Europe after winning the Champions League.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony was concluded with these awards presented to some of the most deserving football stars of the season. Last night at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the Football Club Barcelona became the first and only Club to have both Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or at their museum.