Lionel Messi is the footballer of the year 2021 . The Paris St-Germain and Argentina forward won the Ballon d’Or ahead of a stiff challenge from Bayern Munich Striker Robert Lewandowski .
Messi helped his country win the Copa America, his first international honour, and has scored 40 goals in 2021 – 28 for Barcelona, four for Paris St-Germain and eight for Argentina.
Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho was third and Real Madrid’s French striker Karim Benzema finished fourth.
Jorginho was tipped for the coveted prize after winning both the Champions League with Chelsea and Euro 2020 with Italy.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, who was integral as the Blues won the Champions League against Manchester City last season, came in fifth, with Cristiano Ronaldo having to settle for sixth.
Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas won the best female footballer award in 2021.Putellas, scored as Barca beat Chelsea 4-0 to secure their first Champions League crown.
Paris St-Germain goal keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who helped Italy win Euro 2020, won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.
Chelsea came top as the club of the year after winning the champions league .
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