Ballon d’Or 2021 winner – Lionel Messi favourite for seventh award, Jorginho odds slashed after Italy Euro 2020 win
HARRY KANE, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski are just a few of the leading contenders to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or.
But they all trail a familiar face in the betting market with Lionel Messi the odds-on favourite, according to bookmakers Betfair.
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The 34-year-old is available at 1/2 to secure a record-breaking SEVENTH award when the trophy is dished out in December.
Barcelona might have underwhelmed during the 2020-21 campaign – but Messi certainly did not.
The attacking magician registered 33 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions.
He also ended his wait for a first major international title as Argentina beat Brazil in the Copa America final in Rio’s Maracana stadium.
Messi was directly involved in nine out of the 12 goals Argentina scored in the competition – netting four of those himself.
After lifting the trophy, Messi said: “The happiness is immense. Many times I dreamed of this.”
Ballon d’Or 2021 winner – Betfair odds
- Lionel Messi – 2/1
- Harry Kane – 9/2
- Kylian Mbappe – 6/1
- Robert Lewandowski – 6/1
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 8/1
- N’Golo Kante – 8/1
- Neymar – 9/1
- Raheem Sterling – 10/1
- Ciro Immobile – 14/1
- Kevin De Bruyne – 16/1
- Lorenzo Insigne – 16/1
- Jorginho – 20/1
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Messi’s closest challenger is Tottenham centre-forward Harry Kane at odds of 9/2.
Kane won the Premier League Golden Boot, his third overall, when firing in 23 top-flight goals with a further 14 assists to boot.
The 27-year-old also helped England to their first major tournament final in 55 years before falling to Italy on penalties at Wembley.
Kylian Mbappe is offered at 6s – although France’s early Euro 2020 departure and PSG’s failure to win Ligue 1 could dampen his chances.
Robert Lewandowski had looked certain to win the 2020 Ballon d’Or award after netting an incredible 55 goals and winning the Champions League title.
But the Ballon d’Or ceremony was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, having set a new Bundesliga single-season goals record last season – he’s a 6/1 chance to scoop the top prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante are locked together at 8/1 with PSG’s Neymar a fraction behind at 9s.
England hero Raheem Sterling is available at 10/1 after a terrific Euro 2020 campaign, while Ciro Immobile and Kevin De Bruyne are priced at 14/1 and 16/1 respectively.
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has come flying into contention.
The 29-year-old became only the tenth player in history to win both the Champions League and European Championships in the same year.
Jorginho was upwards of 40/1 to win the Ballon d’Or before the weekend but is now available at 20/1 with Betfair.
See the full list of Ballon d’Or winner odds – HERE!
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