Ballon d'Or 2021 LIVE: Messi, Lewandowski, Ronaldo & football's stars in running for top individual award

<p>Congratulations, Leo! He lifts his seventh Ballon d'Or this year, with Robert Lewandowski taking a second-placed finish.</p><p>Lionel Messi lifted the Copa America for the first time in his career this summer with Argentina, and completed a move from Barcelona to PSG. Does this make him the official GOAT now?</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LIONEL MESSI WINS HIS SEVENTH BALLON D'OR 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/If0qQc7eVO">pic.twitter.com/If0qQc7eVO</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465423733494067209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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👑 Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or

<p>Not entirely sure how voting works for this inaugural "Club of the Year" award. Perhaps it is awarded to whichever team won the Champions League last? Or whichever team has N'Golo Kante in it?</p><p></p>

🏟 Chelsea win Club of the Year

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 6th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> 🇵🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManUtd</a> <a href="https://t.co/AyEmv6KJZT">pic.twitter.com/AyEmv6KJZT</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465417366389633026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Cristiano Ronaldo places at #6️⃣

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 2021 Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> is... <a href="https://twitter.com/alexiaputellas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexiaputellas</a> 🇪🇸 of <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBfemeni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBfemeni</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/cwSMaSKw2U">pic.twitter.com/cwSMaSKw2U</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465414725374726144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🏆 Alexia Putellas wins Women's Ballon d'Or

<p>Congratulations, Robert! The Bayern and Poland striker wins one of two new awards tonight. Is this justice for him not winning the Ballon d'Or in 2020, when the ceremony was cancelled due to the disruptions caused by Covid-19 ?</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The striker of the year award goes to… Robert Lewandowski ! 🦾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/OEy9mlSjki">pic.twitter.com/OEy9mlSjki</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465411007522775040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🏆 Robert Lewandowski wins Striker of the Year

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙍𝘽𝙊𝙔 ⭐️&nbsp; <br><br>Pedri wins the Kopa Trophy for the best U21 player in the world 👏 <a href="https://t.co/U5gtFtJPu8">pic.twitter.com/U5gtFtJPu8</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465407377285525509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🏆 Pedri wins Kopa Trophy

<p>So the big question is: who is going to win?</p><p>It's been one of the tighest battles for years, but of course Lionel Messi is still well in the mix. However, Robert Lewandowski - who would surely have won in 2020 had there been an award - has maintained incredible consistency for Bayern Munich.</p><p>Then, of course, there is the European Championship and Champions League winner Jorginho, whose midfield machinations helped Italy and Chelsea to glory this year.</p><p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ballon-dor-2021-power-rankings/1l03egk461k3a1em4lb6gh8mhu" target="_blank"><strong>Check out GOAL's Ballon d'Or Power Rankings!</strong></a></p>

Ballon d'Or 2021 Power Rankings

<p>Thanks for sticking with us through the ceremony tonight, which was quick and to-the-point and not long and dragged out at all. </p><p>As a quick recap, Lionel Messi was given his seventh Ballon d'Or trophy (Cristiano Ronaldo has five and will likely never catch up now), while Robert Lewandowski was named Striker of the Year, a new prize likely created just for him due to the 2020 edition being cancelled. Alexia Putellas was named the Women's Ballon d'Or winner, while Gianluigi Donnarumma picked up the Yashin Trophy and Pedri won the Kopa Trophy for being the best player under the age of 21.</p><p>Congratulations to all the winners (and for you, for sticking with this liveblog) and so long and <em>bonne nuit!</em></p><p><em></em></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">7-5. <a href="https://t.co/czyZWWh9vt">pic.twitter.com/czyZWWh9vt</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465446562117607425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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That's all, folks!

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Quelle soirée pour 𝙇𝙚𝙤 𝙈𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞 🥇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://t.co/XrhrOwWswO">pic.twitter.com/XrhrOwWswO</a></p>— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1465443918393364484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Lionel Messi receives Ballon d'Or from Luis Suarez 💙

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/kKO05JBZwX">pic.twitter.com/kKO05JBZwX</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465440636283277317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tonight's big winners 🤩

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">47 goals in 2020. 64 goals in 2021.<br><br>No Ballon d'Or.<br><br>Spare a thought for Robert Lewandowski 💔 <a href="https://t.co/yeYIVJ3VU9">pic.twitter.com/yeYIVJ3VU9</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465437172664872971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Maybe next year...?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/m5cLyfQVDe">pic.twitter.com/m5cLyfQVDe</a></p>— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carra23/status/1465435611867885575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Jamie Carragher has added his two cents 🤪

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PUSH THE MAGIC BUTTON! 👀<br><br>small surprise for Lionel Messi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/UtMcaQyIdE">pic.twitter.com/UtMcaQyIdE</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465428335316672517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Just add this to his very long list of accomplishments. What <strong>can't</strong> the man do!</p>

WATCH: Messi lights up Eiffel Tower

<p>Lionel Messi thanked Robert Lewandowski in his speech as he accepted his seventh Ballon d'Or, and added that the Bayern striker should be awarded the 2020 prize.</p><p>Messi said: "I’d like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honour to compete with him. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or, you deserved it.”</p><p>❤️</p><p></p>

🗣 Messi: "It's been a real honour to compete with Robert"

<p>Yes, maybe we all would have liked to see Robert Lewandowski clinch a first-ever Ballon d'Or trophy in 2020 – the one year the award ceremony was skipped due to Covid-19 disruptions – but he <em>did</em> have a whole new award made entirely in his honour! That ain't a bad feat.</p><p>Congratulations to all 👏</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations Leo Messi and <a href="https://twitter.com/alexiaputellas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexiaputellas</a> winners of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2021</a>, 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🤜🤛 <a href="https://t.co/I6j4BtluYS">pic.twitter.com/I6j4BtluYS</a></p>— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/lewy_official/status/1465432506602295299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Lewandowski pays tribute to Messi and Putellas

<p><strong>1. Lionel Messi</strong> | 613 pts </p><p><strong>2. Robert Lewandowski</strong> | 580 pts </p><p><strong>3. Jorginho</strong> | 460 pts </p><p><strong>4. Karim Benzema</strong> | 239 pts </p><p><strong>5. N'Golo Kante</strong> | 186 pts </p><p><strong>6. Cristiano Ronaldo</strong> | 178 pts </p><p><strong>7. Mohamed Salah</strong> | 121 pts </p><p><strong>8. Kevin De Bruyne</strong> | 73 pts </p><p><strong>9. Kylian Mbappe</strong> | 58 pts </p><p><strong>10. Gianluigi Donnarumma</strong> | 36 pts</p>

Ballon d'Or Top 10 revealed

<p>Lionel Messi now has an astounding <em>seven</em> Ballons d'Or, comfortably edging out rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five trophies to his name (and who notably did not attend tonight's ceremony, but not because he finished sixth or anything). Not that anyone is keeping count, though.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lionel Messi and the Ballon d'Or.<br><br>Name a more iconic duo. <a href="https://t.co/4DRss4RuuO">pic.twitter.com/4DRss4RuuO</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465428450903269378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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We'll wait...

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">7 - Lionel Messi, now seven-times winner of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a>, was involved in nine goals for Argentina in the Copa América 2021 (four goals + five assists), the most of any player in the tournament. GOAT. <a href="https://t.co/2xcAlU8Ihf">pic.twitter.com/2xcAlU8Ihf</a></p>— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoao/status/1465426969877790723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🇦🇷

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lionel Messi.<br><br>Seven Ballons d'Or.<br><br>OUT OF THIS WORLD 👽 <a href="https://t.co/jCOU7Ff4g1">pic.twitter.com/jCOU7Ff4g1</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465425598361313291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There's just no one else like him 🪐

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When your dad wins an other Ballon d'Or 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/UWKir71mX5">pic.twitter.com/UWKir71mX5</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465424386350014469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When your dad is the 🐐

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 3rd place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<br><br>Jorginho 🇮🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/ypgYd1z80d">pic.twitter.com/ypgYd1z80d</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465421952043163653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Jorginho is named third

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 4th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Benzema</a> 🇫🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/O4wYUp7IH6">pic.twitter.com/O4wYUp7IH6</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465421848615821318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p>

N'Golo Kante finishes in #5️⃣, Karim Benzema is #4️⃣

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cristiano Ronaldo finishes outside the top three in the Ballon d'Or for the first time since 2010 ❌ <a href="https://t.co/lQ9qz1a5eD">pic.twitter.com/lQ9qz1a5eD</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465420637518938115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ruh-roh... 😬

<p>Gianluigi Donnarumma beats out the likes of Edouard Mendy (2nd), Jan Oblak (3rd), Ederson (4th), Manuel Neuer (5th), Emiliano Martinez (6th).</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tropheeyachine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tropheeyachine</a> ranking ⤵️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/EayyXWPs60">pic.twitter.com/EayyXWPs60</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465419091980824588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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2021 Yashin Trophy nominees

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The world’s best goalkeeper in 2021 👑<br><br>Gianluigi Donnarumma wins the Yashin Trophy 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/Oq9BCUJq2N">pic.twitter.com/Oq9BCUJq2N</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465418179677757455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🧤 Gianluigi Donnarumma wins Yashin Trophy

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 7th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/MoSalah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoSalah</a> 🇪🇬<a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lm1SBq2U41">pic.twitter.com/Lm1SBq2U41</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465417210260774921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Kevin De Bruyne is #8️⃣ and Mo Salah is #7️⃣

<p>What an extraordinary year it's been for Women's Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is crowned the winner ahead of stars Jenni Hermoso, Sam Kerr and Vivianne Miedema.</p><p>Congratulations, Alexia!</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">⚽️ 38 goals<br>🅰️ 27 assists<br><br>🏆 Primera Iberdrola<br>🏆 Copa de la Reina<br>🏆 Women’s Champions League<br><br>Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was 𝙐𝙉𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙋𝙋𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀 in 2021 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/GDugnpFDXD">pic.twitter.com/GDugnpFDXD</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465414887337873416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Putellas beats out Miedema, Kerr and Hermoso

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When you're so good they create a whole new award... <a href="https://t.co/qYHPQeXCHw">pic.twitter.com/qYHPQeXCHw</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465414140676222988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Legends only 💁‍♂️

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 9th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/KMbappe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KMbappe</a> 🇫🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_inside?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PSG_inside</a> <a href="https://t.co/kbQv7qS8By">pic.twitter.com/kbQv7qS8By</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465411804000096263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Gianluigi Donnarumma at #🔟 and Kylian Mbappe at# 9️⃣

<p>He beats out Jamal Musiala in second place and Jude Bellingham in third.</p><p>PSG's Nuno Mendes makes fourth.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tropheekopa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tropheekopa</a> is... <a href="https://twitter.com/Pedri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pedri</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona_es?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona_es</a> !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bb84xEqUBY">pic.twitter.com/Bb84xEqUBY</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465407296180269061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Reminder that Pedri is only 19 years old 🤫

<p>Instead, it was Formula One duo Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon. Oh well.</p>

False alarm: Daft Punk are not at the awards!

<p>Finally. We have arrived. This blog has felt like it's been going on for five years.</p><p>Here we go!</p>

The ceremony is about to start!

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to <a href="https://twitter.com/Zendaya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Zendaya</a> and Spiderman <a href="https://twitter.com/TomHolland1996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomHolland1996</a>, at the 2021 Ballon d'Or Ceremony !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/0fWFRzQTgC">pic.twitter.com/0fWFRzQTgC</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465402479550599174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Spider-Man stars walk the red carpet 🕷

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">👋👋👋 Mbappé! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/3VRe5nXEud">pic.twitter.com/3VRe5nXEud</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465401737955655683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Salut, Kylian! 👋

<p>Here is Tom Holland, the trophy boyfriend of Zendaya. He's here suited and booted accompanying his Spider-Man co-star at the ceremony, where he presumably will be the only one cheering for (the not-nominated) Tottenham captain Harry Kane.</p>

Spider-Man sighting at the Ballon d'Or!

<p>Here he is, accompanied by his entire family. You don't turn up in that kind of tuxedo and your entire clan if you're expecting to leave the show empty-handed. 👀</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lionel Messi is here! ✨ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/7dkKQneT09">pic.twitter.com/7dkKQneT09</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465398128727801857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Lionel Messi has arrived!

<p>Attention. <strong>Attention.</strong> Zendaya has arrived at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Presumably it is to accompany her rumoured Tottenham-supporting boyfriend Tom Holland, who is also here. But also she is Zendaya. She does not need to have her presence anywhere explained. She is an entity. The entity of Zendaya.</p>

🚨 Zendaya is here 🚨

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">📸📸📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ad9VbQ4k4Y">pic.twitter.com/Ad9VbQ4k4Y</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465390773772464131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Robert Lewandowski is here! 👑

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Samuel Eto'o stole the show at Ballon d'Or 2015 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/PpwwDuwBAh">pic.twitter.com/PpwwDuwBAh</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465388543325396995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🤩

Hellooooo, Simon Kjaer! 👋

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">👋👋👋 Please welcome... Fabio Cannavaro ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/thiw6IvIrH">pic.twitter.com/thiw6IvIrH</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465385421794328577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Fabio Cannavaro arrives at the Ballon d'Or ceremony! 🇮🇹

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ballon d’Or 2021 🏆<br><br>It’s almost time. <a href="https://t.co/gq1DQi6qXf">pic.twitter.com/gq1DQi6qXf</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1464718329080422401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🕰

<p>To be fair, these could also just be two random strangers fancily dressed in matching tuxedos and helmets.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🧭 48°49'59.99"N, 2°15'0"E <br>📍 France Football headquarter<br><br>The trophees are ready! Follow our journey through Paris to Théâtre du Châtelet… and open your eyes, you might see something 👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jl4eet4Vm6">pic.twitter.com/Jl4eet4Vm6</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465381678537453578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Are Daft Punk re-uniting for tonight's ceremony?

<p>And it's now the perfect time for France Football to announce a "break". These things are the epitome of short and sweet!</p><p>Here are the players who make the top 10, organised alphabetically: <strong>Benzema, De Bruyne, Donnarumma, Jorginho, Kante, Lewandowski, Mbappe, Messi, Ronaldo, Salah.</strong></p>

We've reached the end of the first half of the countdown!

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 11st place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/ErlingHaaland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ErlingHaaland</a> 🇳🇴<a href="https://twitter.com/BVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BVB</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ah99cFzpWO">pic.twitter.com/Ah99cFzpWO</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465377793538244612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Wonderkid Erling Haaland is in at lucky number 1️⃣1️⃣!

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 12th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/romelulukaku9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RomeluLukaku9</a> 🇧🇪<a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dsxceq9bvL">pic.twitter.com/Dsxceq9bvL</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465376648409370625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Enter Romelu Lukaku at #1️⃣2️⃣

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 14th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/bonucci_leo19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bonucci_leo19</a> 🇮🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juventusfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/I50ahW4Mft">pic.twitter.com/I50ahW4Mft</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465373693861937165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Say hello to Giorgio Chiellini at 1️⃣3️⃣!

Leonardo Bonucci is in at #1️⃣4️⃣

<p>France Football are not ones to delay proceedings at all, you know. They're always usually straight-to-the-point with no frills or dilly-dallying.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're getting ready... 2h to go before the ceremony! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/3cVYw3aUi2">pic.twitter.com/3cVYw3aUi2</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465372868343173122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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We're getting closer... ⏰

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 15th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<br><br>Raheem Sterling 🏴<a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/z4vTBINQvX">pic.twitter.com/z4vTBINQvX</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465370281007067139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Raheem Sterling in at 1️⃣5️⃣

<p>Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil star Neymar was recently laid low with an ankle injury and he comes in at 16th in the ranking, just ahead of former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez.</p>

1️⃣6️⃣ - Neymar

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 17th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/LuisSuarez9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LuisSuarez9</a> 🇺🇾<a href="https://twitter.com/Atleti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Atleti</a> <a href="https://t.co/iXdwgn6bWJ">pic.twitter.com/iXdwgn6bWJ</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465366126234378243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Luis Suarez ranked 1️⃣7️⃣th

<p>The countdown continues, but it won't be long until we are into the business end of things.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Pour la 2e fois, le Châtelet est fier d'accueillir la Cérémonie du Ballon d'Or (@francefootball) pour sa 65e édition. Restez avec nous, on vous fait découvrir les coulisses tout au long de la soirée. 👇 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://t.co/IesZcumO01">pic.twitter.com/IesZcumO01</a></p>— Théâtre du Châtelet (@theatrechatelet) <a href="https://twitter.com/theatrechatelet/status/1465365791344316416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Here is a look behind the scenes 🧐

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simon Kjaer has been shortlisted for the men's Ballon d'Or 👏<br><br>Appreciation post for his exceptional leadership ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/vgt22ZNa0m">pic.twitter.com/vgt22ZNa0m</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1446772890423148549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Number 1️⃣8️⃣ - Simon Kjaer

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 19th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<br><br>@masonmount_10 🏴<a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/KvN8n5lXTb">pic.twitter.com/KvN8n5lXTb</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465363916482039823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In at 1️⃣9️⃣ - Mason Mount!

<p>Not bad for a teenager!</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Four days after his 19th birthday, Pedri comes 24th in voting for the Ballon d'Or 🏆<br><br>A truly special talent ✨ <a href="https://t.co/zyVjdMfF3E">pic.twitter.com/zyVjdMfF3E</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465362625647321090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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What a breakthrough season for Pedri! 😍

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/theatrechatelet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theatrechatelet</a> looks fabulous! <br><br>yes we had to censor a part of this picture... 🤐 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/xnV6oKkQFV">pic.twitter.com/xnV6oKkQFV</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465361164435693569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Theatre du Chatelet is looking well 🤩

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 20th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/Mahrez22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mahrez22</a> 🇩🇿<a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/QyB8nZEQmg">pic.twitter.com/QyB8nZEQmg</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465358487953809413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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No. 2️⃣0️⃣ - Riyad Mahrez!

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Equally ranked at the 21st place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/B_Fernandes8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@B_Fernandes8</a> 🇵🇹<a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManUtd</a> <a href="https://t.co/zdPc2KtpoK">pic.twitter.com/zdPc2KtpoK</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465357765698891777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Joint 2️⃣1️⃣st! Lautaro Martinez & Bruno Fernandes

<p>Lionel Messi and Jorginho might have something to say about that, Julian!</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✊ <a href="https://twitter.com/J__Nagelsmann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@J__Nagelsmann</a>: "No player deserves it more than Robert. As well as his hunger for goals, he has an incredible attitude towards the sport."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lewy_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lewy_official</a><br><br>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/G6L78ir98Z">https://t.co/G6L78ir98Z</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/SMuoeCEGNw">pic.twitter.com/SMuoeCEGNw</a></p>— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1464997701368651780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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'No one deserves it more than Lewandowski'

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 23rd place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/HKane?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HKane</a> 🏴<a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpursOfficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/INSCT19hzF">pic.twitter.com/INSCT19hzF</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465353262664716293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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2️⃣3️⃣ Harry Kane

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 24th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/Pedri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pedri</a> 🇪🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona_es?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona_es</a> <a href="https://t.co/KWdVRnNYb1">pic.twitter.com/KWdVRnNYb1</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465349650316251141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p>

2️⃣4️⃣ Pedri

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ranked at the 25th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/PhilFoden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhilFoden</a> 🏴<a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZV0bTXnxqH">pic.twitter.com/ZV0bTXnxqH</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465349167006507010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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2️⃣5️⃣ Phil Foden

<ul><li><strong>Nicolo Barella</strong></li><li><strong>Gerard Moreno</strong></li><li><strong>Ruben Dias</strong></li></ul>

And in joint 2️⃣6️⃣th place...

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚠️ JUST HOLD ON! <br><br>We have an announcement...&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ba0cYlLYuW">pic.twitter.com/Ba0cYlLYuW</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465343908783824897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Two NEW awards tonight... but what will they be? 🤔

<p>And the first confirmed rankings are....</p><p>=2️⃣9️⃣<strong>Cesar Azpilicueta</strong></p><p>= 2️⃣9️⃣ <strong>Luka Modric</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Equally ranked at the 29th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/CesarAzpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CesarAzpi</a> 🇪🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/YKOo7o0qZ5">pic.twitter.com/YKOo7o0qZ5</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465343940211707905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Equally ranked at the 29th place for the 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/lukamodric10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lukamodric10</a> 🇭🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/bnFukBTLd7">pic.twitter.com/bnFukBTLd7</a></p>— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1465344081677197327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ranking countdown has begun! ⏳

<p>The <strong>Ballon d'Or</strong> is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football and it is back for 2021, having been cancelled in 2020.</p><p>Some of the biggest names in the game, past and present, have descended on Paris for today's award ceremony, which will crown the best male and female players in the past year.</p><p>Lionel Messi is looking to add a record seventh Ballon d'Or to his collection, but the Paris Saint-Germain forward faces stiff competition from the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho and Karim Benzema. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are among the starts in the running so it is certainly a packed field.</p><p><strong>GOAL</strong> will bring you all the latest news and updates from the ceremony, including the winners of both the men's and women's awards, as well as the players who win the Kopa Trophy and the Yashin Award. </p><p>Stay tuned!</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Number seven incoming? 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 <a href="https://t.co/pDYKYmxKSD">pic.twitter.com/pDYKYmxKSD</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1465339374888001537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It's Ballon d'Or day! 🏆⚽️🙌

Where's Leo?! Messi invisible as Argentina upset by Paraguay

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Ballon d'Or 2021 LIVE: Messi, Lewandowski, Ronaldo & football's stars in running for top individual award | Goal.com English Kuwait

Join GOAL for live coverage of the 2021 Ballon d&apos;Or, where Lionel Messi has beat out the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo for an astonishing record seventh trophy