Leo Messi wins 2021 Ballon d'Or
The 65th France Football Ballon d'Or has been awarded to Leo Messi. Winning the prestigious award for a record seventh time, the Paris Saint-Germain striker is continuing to make history.
The 34-year-old Argentinian prodigy received the trophy for the best footballer of the year at the Ballon d'Or 2021 ceremony held on Monday 29 November at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Leo Messi was nominated by the majority of the 180 sports journalists involved in the vote around the world, ahead of Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema.
The title crowns an exceptional year for the Albiceleste captain, who won the Copa America with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final last July.
A few weeks after this historic success for his country, Leo Messi signed a contract with Paris Saint-Germain to continue his outstanding career.
Considered one of the best players of all time, PSG’s number 30 has set a new record by being crowned Ballon d'Or on 7 occasions, including four consecutive times between 2009 and 2012 and in 2015 and 2019.
"I’m really proud to win the France Football Ballon d'Or once again," said Leo Messi, already a seven-time winner of the trophy. "It's incredible to win it for the seventh time. I would like to thank my family, my friends and all the people who follow me and always support me, because without them I couldn't have done it".
“I would like to warmly congratulate Leo," said Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. “The club is immensely proud that one of our players has won this most prestigious and coveted title. Leo is making football history once again. Along with all our supporters around the world, we are delighted to be able to enjoy one of most iconic footballers of all time in the Rouge & Bleu shirt.”