Speaking at a press conference ahead of Italy’s World Cup Qualifier against Bulgaria, Jorginho brushed off claims suggesting he is the favorite for the Ballon d’Or this time around. The Chelsea midfielder said:
Jorginho had a fantastic 2020-21 season for both club and country. The 29-year-old played a vital role in helping Chelsea win the 2021 Champions League against Manchester City.
Following his success with Chelsea, Jorginho then went on to play another key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph over England. These accolades have cemented Jorginho as a potential Ballon d’Or winner.
Jorginho is set to face off against Lionel Messi, whose accomplishments with Argentina have also made him another candidate for the award.
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has echoed these claims, suggesting Messi is currently the favorite for the 2021 Ballon d’Or. Back in July, Zola said:
However, Zola also admitted that should the Ballon d’Or be awarded to Jorginho, it would also be deserved.
A Chelsea player has never lifted the Ballon d’Or
Despite being one of the most successful teams in England, Chelsea has never seen any of its players lift the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy.
The only time someone from Chelsea came close to winning the Golden Ball was in 2005 when Frank Lampard finished runner-up to Barcelona’s Ronaldinho.
Jorginho will become Chelsea’s first recipient of the Ballon d’Or if he beats Lionel Messi to it.
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