Balon D'or, or Messi's Dog's favorite chew-toy as I love to call it, the most prestigious individual achievement award in modern day football is handed out to the most deserving player in Europe's top division leagues. After the pandemic football break where the award was suspended, the final shortlist was published by French football and as expected had notable names like football's favorites Bruno Fernandes (I'm a Red devil of course I'd bring him up), Lionel 'Little magician' Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, UCL Jorghino, and Golden boy Pedri... to name a few.
A nerve racking day if you ask me... with football fans from everywhere wondering; 'who will it be this time? or would it be another Modric situation?'. Well worry no more, I'm here to tell you how the shortlist would playout.
MY BALON D'OR TOP FIVE
#5 JORGHINO [Italy, Chelsea]
Little wonder why Jorginho would make Top 5 with his achievements with London's Chelsea and the Italian National team. Jorginho goes on record as the 5th Italian to ever play in a UCL final and a Euro cup Final in the same season and being the first to ever lift both trophies. he even went on to win the UEFA Men's player of the year for his contribution to his team in lifting the UCL trophy. Strong contender for the awards this year and my personal top 5 favorite to win it.
#4 Mo SALAH [Egypt, Liverpool]
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Hear me out Salah is the cream to the Liverpool salad, the dressing to the Liverpool turkey, the cherry on-top the Liverpool pie... need I go on. This guy was phenomenal last season with over 40 goal contributions to the team's title campaign... it's a lot of wishful thinking I get it but Salah deserves his flowers, Top guy!
#3 BENZEMA [Real Madrid, France]
We all know an In-form Karim Benzema is world class yeah, and with the departure of some Big name players from the Madrid squad, Karim has held it down with over 50 goal and assist contributions. Let's also not forget about the UEFA Nations league trophy and the France call up after that Extortion stint awhile back. Big Big Top 3 contender right here.
** Drum roll for Top 2 **
#2 LIONEL MESSI [PSG, ARGENTINA]
My GOAT... Lionel 'little magician' 'make something out of nothing' 'oops I didn't see you there' 'GTFO of my way' Messi. He has broken so many records in his time; Most national team goals in the COMMEBOL and The most goals for single team, being his latest additions.
This guy won his first 'Major' National team trophy with the Argentine National team, cue his Top scorer, top assister and POTT awards... This guy!
Safe what happened with the Barcelona contract spurring his move to PSG, he won the La Liga top scorer award and the Copa Del Rey trophy... I think I'm out of breath keeping up with this guy whew. Balon D'or favorite Lionel Messi.. I like to hear it. Would this be Messi's 7th? I don't think so because of the stiff competition he has this time, I wouldn't be mad if the pulled a Luca Modric and gave it to the GOAT. Half the football metaverse would sulk for a while but they'll be fine.
#1 ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI [Bayern Munich, Poland]
Could this be the Year for the towering Pole? Top scorer across Europe, Highest ever goal tally in a single Bundesliga season. Bundesliga champion and top scorer, also won the Club world Cup, finished as top scorer and has a European Golden shoe. What can this guy not do?
There is no doubt that Robert Lewandowski would have won the Balon d'Or in 2020 had it not been controversially cancelled by France Football with a school of though believing him carrying that form through into 2021 should mean he is an automatic selection and favorite to claim this year's prize.
I'd love to hear what you think or any objections. Tag me on your rankings too. Cheers and see you at the ceremony (well virtually cause I wasn't invited Shame on France Football)