Ballon d’Or 2021 Power Rankings: Messi favorite after Argentina victory?

Lionel Messi (ARG / FC Barcelona) poses onstage after winning his sixth Ballon D'Or award. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi (ARG / FC Barcelona) poses onstage after winning his sixth Ballon D'Or award. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
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Ballon d'Or candidate Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa kisses The Henri Delaunay Trophy following his team’s victory in the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

#10 Federico Chiesa of Juventus and Italy

Stats and Achievement 20/21:- Juventus: 15 goals, 11 assists | Italy: 2 goals

Won Euro 2020, Coppa Italia & Supercoppa Italiana.

The Italian right-winger had an eventful season with Juventus however, it ended with only a Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa Italiana win. Although it was a difficult season for the Turin side where they saw themselves surrender the Scudetto after nine long years, it was a good season for this 23-year-old. The winger, who can play all over the field as a left-winger, center-forward, left-midfielder, and even right-midfielder, scored 15 goals in all competitions for the old lady while providing 11 assists as well.

This is a great accomplishment in itself however, his form in the Euros was sensational and it helped the Italians lift their first major trophy since 2006. After more than a decade of silence, Chiesa’s two important goals, one against Austria and one against Spain helped Italy dominate the Euros once again. He was monumental in Italy’s victory and there are rumors about Bayern Munich being interested in the player. His performance in the Juve shirt and in the Italian shirt earns him the tenth spot on this Ballon d’Or list.