France Football’s Ballon d’Or is back for 2021 after a year’s hiatus in 2020 due to the football calendar’s disruption brought on by the outbreak of COVID-19.
Robert Lewandowski was the overwhelming favourite to take the prize in 2020 before its suspension, and the Bayern Munich forward is considerably less likely to take the award this time around.
Six-time winner Lionel Messi is the most likely to get his hands on the Ballon d’Or again this winter, which would allow him to pull even further clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five. Messi‘s six already have him as the most-decorated player in the award’s history.
Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas is heavy favourite for the women’s award, having helped the Catalans to a phenomenal season wherein they won LaLiga Iberdrola and the Women’s Champions League.
When is the 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony?
The 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony is being held on Monday, November 29 in Paris’ Chatelet Theatre.
The event will begin at 20:30 CET – 19:30 GMT – and it is expected to concluded at around 22:00 CET – 21:00 GMT. The ranking will start to be unveiled at 16:30 CET.
How to watch the 2021 Ballon d’Or?
Viewers can tune in to watch the 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel, though it will also be streamed on Eurosport and on the Eurosport app.
You can also stay up to date with what is happening in our live blog on MARCA English.
Who will win the 2021 Ballon d’Or?
Lionel Messi is the favourite to take the award and is currently odds on to end the night with his seventh, and Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the running.
Robert Lewandowski is a contender, as is Italy and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho after winning the Champions League, the European Super Cup and Euro 2020.
