After an incredible 2020/21 season, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best male player for a record seventh time.
Messi's season was historic, even by his own high standards. In 34 La Liga games, the 34-year-old Argentine scored 30 goals and added 9 assists for an xG of 25.64. In six Champions League appearances, he scored five goals and added two assists. He scored three goals and added an assist in five games for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, which they won. Argentina won the Copa America this year thanks to Messi's four goals and five assists.
Last season, Messi scored 42 goals and added 17 assists in 49 appearances for club and country.
Messi beat Robert Lewandowski to the award – who won his eight Bundesliga title in a row with Bayern Munich – as well as Real Madrid's Karim Benzema.
Messi was named La Liga's Top Scorer, Copa America's Top Scorer, Copa America's Top Assister, and Copa America's MVP.
The newly established Striker of the Year title went to Robert Lewandowski. In 44 appearances for club and country, he scored 53 goals and added eight assists.
Gianlugi Donnaruma, the Euro 2020 hero, won the Yashin Trophy in 2021. The Women's Ballon d'Or was won by Alexia Putellas of Barca Femeni. The Kopa trophy for best U21 player was won by Pedri of FC Barcelona.
Sixth-placed for the first time since 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo finished outside the top five in the Ballon d'Or.
Chelsea FC won the Club of the Year award. Also newly created.
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