Lionel Messi wins record seventh Ballon d'Or after Cristiano Ronaldo calls event organiser a 'liar'
Lionel Messi wins seventh Ballon d'Or ; Robert Lewandowski runner-up and named top striker
Alexia Putellas receives women's award | Pedri wins Kopa (best U-21) | Gianluigi Donnarumma is best keeper; Chelsea win club of the year
But Cristiano Ronaldo (absent) still manages to steal the headlines
Lionel Messi has strengthened his reputation as one of the world's greatest ever footballers by collecting a record seventh Ballon d'Or.
But the Argentine's historic feat was overshadowed by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo - himself a recipient of five awards - who branded one of the event’s organisers a ‘liar’ hours before the ceremony in Paris.
Messi dashed the hopes of Robert Lewandowski, who came runner-up, and the 14 Premier League-based nominees to retain the honour he last won in 2019. Messi said: "It's incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key."
"It's incredible to win it for the seventh time. I would like to thank my family, my friends and all the people who follow me and always support me, because without them I couldn't have done it."
The Women’s Ballon d’Or was won by Spain’s Alexia Putellas with England pair Fran Kirkby and Ellen White were among the nominees, while Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma was crowned goalkeeper of the year.
But it was Ronaldo who remained at the centre of attention after he issued a stinging rebuke to Pascal Ferre, the editor-in-chief of France Football, whose organisation oversaw the star-studded ceremony.
In an interview published last week, Ferre had told the New York Times: "Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d’Or than Messi, and I know that because he has told me."
That provoked a furious reaction from the Manchester United forward.
"Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for,” Ronaldo wrote on social media.
"It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or.
"The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country.
"The biggest ambition of my career is to be a good example for all those who are or want to be professional footballers. The biggest ambition of my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football."
Ronaldo’s remarks appeared to be timed to coincide with the start of the presentation night. He also took issue with suggestions his non-attendance on Monday was due to quarantine, or that he is a sore loser.
"He (Ferre) lied again today, justifying my absence from the gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist," continued the player's Instagram post.
"I always want to congratulate those who win, within the sportsmanship and fair play that have guided my career since the beginning, and I do it because I'm never against anyone. I always win for myself and for the clubs I represent, I win for myself and for those who love me. I don't win against anyone."
Ronaldo was not the only significant absentee in the French capital; Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah could not attend the ceremony as he is preparing for Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.
It also proved a night of disappointment for the numerous Chelsea nominees who have backed up last May’s Champions League win with a brilliant start to this year’s Premier League campaign. Chelsea were consoled by being named the ‘Club of the Year’ for the achievement of the men’s and women’s teams.
Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski will consider himself most unfortunate to miss out on the main award. He was expected to win in 2020, but the ceremony was cancelled due to the pandemic. Since then he has continued to deliver amazing numbers in the Bundesliga and Champions League. The Polish striker has struck 73 goals in 60 games since the start of last season. He was the FIFA and UEFA player of the year in 2020 and was named striker of the year.
But that has not been enough to sway the voting panel, which includes 180 journalists representing countries from across the world. Either Messi or Ronaldo has been the winner every season except one since 2008, when Luka Modric managed to break the duopoly in 2018.
By his extraordinary standards, 34-year-old Messi has endured a tough 12 months, leaving Barcelona in tears last summer and making an inauspicious start to his career at Paris St-Germain. He still won the Copa del Rey with Barca and the Copa America with Argentina last summer. But La Liga and Champions League disappointment preceded his shock exit from the Nou Camp. Nevertheless, few were surprised on the night when the Argentine legend added the 2021 edition to a personal trophy cabinet that also holds the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019 editions.
2021 Ballon d'Or awards: As it happened
09:35 PMCongratulations to Lionel Messi
Congratulations to Lionel Messi
and well done also to Cristiano Ronaldo for injecting a bit of needle among the back-slapping. Legends both. Thanks for following with us. From Chris Bascombe, Tom Garry, and me Alan Tyers, goodnight.
09:30 PMAlexia Putellas wins the Ballon d'Or Feminin
Alexia Putellas wins the Ballon d'Or Feminin
Analysis by our women's football reporter Tom Garry.
"Historically, global individual women's football awards have had a tendency to go to a somewhat surprise winner, with voters often accused of simply picking the most famous player rather than the most deserving winner, as a lack of television coverage of club matches hindered the exposure of the most talented stars.
Not so, in 2021, as Spain's Alexia Putellas is fittingly picking up the accolades after a year in which she has blown the competition away.
A complete midfielder, the 27-year-old is the linchpin of a Barcelona midfield that keeps the ball with dazzling ease and she was instrumental as the Catalan giants won a treble of major honours last term, including their first Women's Champions League title. She was, at times, unplayable in May's 4-0 hammering of Chelsea in the European final in Gothenburg, Sweden, as the Spanish team raced to a 4-0 half-time lead with a devastating display of technical ability, close control, pace and movement.
In a midfield three alongside Aitana Bonmati and Patricia Guijarro for both club and country, Putellas keeps possession with unerring ease, and the trio illustrated their brilliance in a 4-1 win over Arsenal in October, when Putellas scored the second goal.
Despite not being a striker, Putellas has scored 39 times in 57 appearances in this calendar year, and she was one of five Barcelona players named in the top 20 of the Ballon d'Or Feminin, as they seek to become the women's game's dominant club for the foreseeable future.
Fans in England can look forward to seeing Putellas on these shores next summer, with Spain among the favourites for Women's Euro 2022. They have been drawn in a tough-looking Group B alongside Germany, Denmark and Finland, and will play their group-stage matches at Milton Keynes Dons and Brentford's stadiums."
09:09 PMA respectful hand from his peers for Messi
A respectful hand from his peers for Messi
Very nice lad really by the looks of him. Entirely unremarkable as a person, otherworldly as a talent. Seems humble and decent. Who knows really. The level of fame must be so stressful. But like Sachin, he seems to just potter bblandly and pleasantly through it all, and clearly his on-pitch performances need no introduction. Certainly worlds apart from his great rival CR7, who has not come this evening but has nevertheless managed to make it about him to some degree.
09:05 PMGracious from Messi
Leo Messi says to Robert Lewandowski: “Robert, you deserve your Ballon D'Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award”. 🤝🇦🇷🇵🇱 #Messi #BallonDOr @GFFN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2021
09:03 PMTributes pour in
HERE IS THE WINNER!
SEVEN BALLON D’OR FOR LIONEL MESSI! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/U2SywJmruC
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
Gracious from Messi
Leo Messi says to Robert Lewandowski: “Robert, you deserve your Ballon D'Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award”. 🤝🇦🇷🇵🇱 #Messi #BallonDOr @GFFN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2021
09:03 PMTributes pour in
HERE IS THE WINNER!
SEVEN BALLON D’OR FOR LIONEL MESSI! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/U2SywJmruC
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
Tributes pour in
HERE IS THE WINNER!
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
SEVEN BALLON D’OR FOR LIONEL MESSI! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/U2SywJmruC
Luis Suarez: "after all these years, you're still the best in the world."
08:55 PMMessi wins the Ballon D'Or
Messi wins the Ballon D'Or
His seventh. Incredible. Lewandowski a worthy runner-up.
It’s a magnificent seven. Congratulations to Lionel Messi on winning yet another Ballon d’Or. A truly extraordinary footballer and an absolute credit to the sport both on and off the pitch. 👏🏻👏🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) November 29, 2021
08:51 PMEmma Hayes in the house!
Emma Hayes in the house!
She's got some nice words for / about her Chelsea players. Tuchel too. I couldn't catch it because they are having some tech problems but I think they have won an overall team award. The two Chelsea managers are talking via a video link.
Ah yes.
The club of the year award goes to @ChelseaFC ! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/U1eyVwgqyB
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
08:47 PMAnd we are coming to the business end
And we are coming to the business end
The top five. In at five is Ngolo Kante, man of the match in the Champions League Final.
At four, Karim Benzema, for his pivot to video.
At three, Jorginho, who won the Champions League and was excellent at Euro 2020.
08:39 PMThe travelling Messis
08:35 PMMore from Tom Garry
The travelling Messis
08:35 PMMore from Tom Garry
More from Tom Garry
"Historically, women's awards have often gone to the wrong player, perhaps to the player whom most people have heard of, rather than the deserving winner. Not so, this year, as the correct choice has been made. Alexia Putellas was the standout player in an all-conquering, treble-winning Barcelona side that won a staggering 33 of their 34 league matches last season, and blew Chelsea away with a 4-0 win in last season's Champions League final. Watch out for her - and Spain - at the Euros next summer."
Tom Garry: "The highest-ranked English player was Fran Kirby, in 10th. Kirby was one of four Chelsea players to make the women's top 10, along with Australia's Sam Kerr (third), Denmark's Pernille Harder (seventh) and Canada's Jessie Fleming (ninth)."
08:33 PMNumber one number one
Number one number one
Gianluigi Donnarumma wins best keeper.
08:31 PMAnother moving moment
Another moving moment
as everyone salutes Simon Kjaer for his brave part in the Christian Eriksen situation.
08:26 PMTom Garry writes
Tom Garry writes
Putellas dedicated the award to her late father, to whom she often points up to, in the sky, when she scores.
"Honestly it’s a bit emotional, very special. It’s great to be here with all my team-mates," she said.
"We’ve lived and experienced so much together, especially last season.
"I’d like to thank all of my team-mates, all the team-mates throughout my career and those that I have right now.
"This is an individual prize but football is a team sport. I’d also like to thank my coaches. I’m really happy. I’d also like to thank the club of course, it’s a real privilege to be here representing FC Barcelona.
"And of course to my family, my sister, my mother, all my friends who are here as well, I’ll try not to get too emotional just for a moment.
Someone who should be here who’s very special to me… Dad, I hope you’re very proud of your little girl. This is for you, thank you."
08:22 PMAlexia Putellas of Barcelona
Alexia Putellas of Barcelona
wins the women's award.
The 2021 Women's #ballondor is... @alexiaputellas 🇪🇸 of @FCBfemeni ! pic.twitter.com/cwSMaSKw2U
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
08:15 PMRonaldo's got stuck into France Football
Ronaldo's got stuck into France Football
specifically, one of their journos. Chris Bascombe explains:
Cristiano Ronaldo has launched a stinging attack on one of the chief organisers of the Ballon d’Or branding him a ‘liar’ for claiming his sole footballing ambition is to win the coveted honour more than Lionel Messi.
He's released a statement criticising France Football’s editor-in-chief Pascal Ferre, whose magazine oversees the annual event.
Earlier this week, Ferre told the New York Times: "Ronaldo has only one ambition, and that is to retire with more Ballons d’Or than Messi, and I know that because he has told me."
That provoked a furious reaction from the five-time winner.
"Today's outcome explains Pascal Ferre's statements last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballon d'Ors than Lionel Messi," Ronaldo posted on Instagram.
"Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for.
"It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or.
"The biggest ambition of my career is to win national and international titles for the clubs I represent and for the national team in my country."
08:13 PMMaybe Mbappe's sour look
Maybe Mbappe's sour look
is related to this.
Kylian Mbappé's historical Ballon D'Or Rankings (Top 10):
2017: 7th
2018: 4th
2019: 6th
2021: 9th— Get French Football News (@GFFN) November 29, 2021
Has he trained on quite as much as everyone hoped?
08:12 PMEllen White's name is in the mix
Ellen White's name is in the mix
for the women's award.
08:09 PMKopa award
Kopa award
Jude Bellingham came second. Mason Greenwood was fifth. Bukayo Saka sixth. Bodes pretty well for England.
08:08 PMSmile
One smile means everything... 😍 #ballondor pic.twitter.com/W8U7lPinlx
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
08:04 PMRobert Lewandowski wins best striker
Smile
One smile means everything... 😍 #ballondor pic.twitter.com/W8U7lPinlx
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
08:04 PMRobert Lewandowski wins best striker
Robert Lewandowski wins best striker
Richly deserved. He makes a very gracious acceptance speech.
08:02 PMRobert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski
wins striker of the year.
Mbappe, sat in between Messi and Suarez has a bit of a face on. The two older men lean across him and say something to each other and laugh. One can only speculate.
A very special award - 20 year’s since I lifted the trophy and it still takes pride of place. Good Luck to this years contenders. My choice; Robert Lewandowski. pic.twitter.com/hpQaymjCqU
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) November 29, 2021
07:59 PMLegends
Legends
Tributes now for two all-timers: Diego Maradona and Gerd Muller, both of whom died in the last year or so.
07:52 PMDrogba gives him his award
Drogba gives him his award
it appears to be ... a water bottle?! Something something environment something.
07:49 PMFirst trophy of the night is the Kopa trophy
First trophy of the night is the Kopa trophy
and it is won by Pedri.
07:47 PMOh my god the banter
Oh my god the banter
It's unbearable. I mean, fair enough Drogba and Cannavaro are doing this in their. what, third languages? But my god.
07:46 PMThe Messi boys
07:41 PMThe trophies are brought onto the stage
The Messi boys
07:41 PMThe trophies are brought onto the stage
The trophies are brought onto the stage
by two geezers in motorcycle helmets.
The Ballon d’Or trophees are brought by Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon from @AlpineF1Team!
🧭 48°51'27.3"N 2°20'49.4"E
📍Theatre du Châtelet
🔸@alpinecarsFR pic.twitter.com/u7IPR0koi5— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
Drobga: "Mesdames and mesieurs: la retour de Daft Punk."
Ha! Well in Didier.
It turns out they are Fernando Alonso and another F1 driver I don't recognise. Ah. Esteban Ocon. If you say so sir. They do a bit of banter. Unfortunately, this bit is in English.
07:35 PMDidier Drogba
Didier Drogba
introduces some legends of yore, Oliver Kahn, Cannavaro, one or two others of that generation - and declares the festivities open.
07:32 PMHere is Tom Garry
Here is Tom Garry
"The clear favourite for the women's award is Spain's majestic midfielder Alexia Putellas, who helped Barcelona win their first Women's Champions League title last season and was subsequently named as the Uefa Women's Player of the Year. She's one of just a few of the 20 women's nominees who are in Paris tonight - despite Spain's Women's World Cup qualifier against Scotland tomorrow - as she has flown in especially with the four other Barca players who have been shortlisted. Here's hoping the host won't ask her to 'twerk' live on stage in a repeat of 2018's sexism row that overshadowed Ada Hegerberg's win..."
07:28 PMBob
07:27 PMAnd here is his teammate
👋👋👋 Mbappé! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/3VRe5nXEud
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
07:26 PMThe main man is here!
Lionel Messi is here! ✨ #ballondor pic.twitter.com/7dkKQneT09
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
07:23 PMIt is sort of just a list of the most famous players, right?
Bob
07:27 PMAnd here is his teammate
👋👋👋 Mbappé! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/3VRe5nXEud
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
07:26 PMThe main man is here!
Lionel Messi is here! ✨ #ballondor pic.twitter.com/7dkKQneT09
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
07:23 PMIt is sort of just a list of the most famous players, right?
And here is his teammate
👋👋👋 Mbappé! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/3VRe5nXEud
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
07:26 PMThe main man is here!
Lionel Messi is here! ✨ #ballondor pic.twitter.com/7dkKQneT09
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
07:23 PMIt is sort of just a list of the most famous players, right?
The main man is here!
Lionel Messi is here! ✨ #ballondor pic.twitter.com/7dkKQneT09
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
07:23 PMIt is sort of just a list of the most famous players, right?
It is sort of just a list of the most famous players, right?
I mean, I know they are famous because they are excellent. But it's always the same old faces.
Just seen @ManCity Ruben Dias at no 26 on the Ballon D’or list 🤷♂️…says it all. One of the best around, full stop.
— Craig Burley (@craigburley) November 29, 2021
07:17 PMDidier!
07:15 PMMessi, 2013 edition
07:11 PMNight out innit
Hello. For some reason Tom Holland and Zendaya are at the Ballon d’Or awards
📸 @HanifBerkane pic.twitter.com/RDEBBs7Cid
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) November 29, 2021
07:08 PMBig Bob's in
📸📸📸 @lewy_official #BallonDor #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/g0nGKhvP0J
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 29, 2021
07:06 PMHere's Mbappe
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:46 PMMessi's sitting pretty!
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:42 PMRonaldo's kicked off!
Didier!
07:15 PMMessi, 2013 edition
07:11 PMNight out innit
Hello. For some reason Tom Holland and Zendaya are at the Ballon d’Or awards
📸 @HanifBerkane pic.twitter.com/RDEBBs7Cid
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) November 29, 2021
07:08 PMBig Bob's in
📸📸📸 @lewy_official #BallonDor #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/g0nGKhvP0J
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 29, 2021
07:06 PMHere's Mbappe
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:46 PMMessi's sitting pretty!
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:42 PMRonaldo's kicked off!
Messi, 2013 edition
07:11 PMNight out innit
Hello. For some reason Tom Holland and Zendaya are at the Ballon d’Or awards
📸 @HanifBerkane pic.twitter.com/RDEBBs7Cid
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) November 29, 2021
07:08 PMBig Bob's in
📸📸📸 @lewy_official #BallonDor #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/g0nGKhvP0J
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 29, 2021
07:06 PMHere's Mbappe
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:46 PMMessi's sitting pretty!
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:42 PMRonaldo's kicked off!
Night out innit
Hello. For some reason Tom Holland and Zendaya are at the Ballon d’Or awards
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) November 29, 2021
📸 @HanifBerkane pic.twitter.com/RDEBBs7Cid
07:08 PMBig Bob's in
📸📸📸 @lewy_official #BallonDor #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/g0nGKhvP0J
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 29, 2021
07:06 PMHere's Mbappe
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:46 PMMessi's sitting pretty!
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:42 PMRonaldo's kicked off!
Big Bob's in
📸📸📸 @lewy_official #BallonDor #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/g0nGKhvP0J
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 29, 2021
07:06 PMHere's Mbappe
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:46 PMMessi's sitting pretty!
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:42 PMRonaldo's kicked off!
Here's Mbappe
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:46 PMMessi's sitting pretty!
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:42 PMRonaldo's kicked off!
Messi's sitting pretty!
I'm at the red carpet of the Theatre de Châtelet. The impression we all have here is that #Messi has won it. Few clues in the video. #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/RaQr1LF1GL
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 29, 2021
06:42 PMRonaldo's kicked off!
Ronaldo's kicked off!
According to the Manchester Evening News,
"Cristiano Ronaldo has accused France Football editor-in-chief, Pascal Ferre, over recent "lies" involving Lionel Messi and the Ballon d'Or".
OOOOOOOOH!
Ferre says that Ronaldo says that he wants to win more than Messi.
"Ronaldo has only one ambition and that is to retire with more Ballon d'Or [awards] than Messi. I know because he has told me," the journalist is quoted in Marca.
CR7 has taken to Insta to put the matter straight in what we can only describe as a lengthy social media tirade.
"Today's outcome explains why Pascal Ferré's statements last week, when he stated that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Golden Balls than Lionel Messi," Ronaldo wrote.
"Pascal Ferré lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for. It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d'Or," the MEN quotes Ronaldo as saying.
06:31 PMThe L'Equipe
The L'Equipe
Live stream is VERY strange. It's in a sinister attract mode, with a weird robot voice and a chat panel of seemingly a billion overexcited children shouting at each other about who is the best player.
06:18 PMOh no, Ronaldo!
Ralf Rangnick is now the most important man at Manchester United – if Cristiano Ronaldo is a casualty of his new regime, so be it, writes @JBurtTelegraph.https://t.co/i5iAV3c9lW
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) November 29, 2021
06:17 PMTalking of outfits, this is very strong
Johan Cruyff Balón de Oro. 1971. pic.twitter.com/f5EMXVQhmJ
— Nostalgia Futbolera ® (@nostalgiafutbo1) November 29, 2021
05:31 PMBallon D'Or coming up
Oh no, Ronaldo!
Ralf Rangnick is now the most important man at Manchester United – if Cristiano Ronaldo is a casualty of his new regime, so be it, writes @JBurtTelegraph.https://t.co/i5iAV3c9lW
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) November 29, 2021
06:17 PMTalking of outfits, this is very strong
Johan Cruyff Balón de Oro. 1971. pic.twitter.com/f5EMXVQhmJ
— Nostalgia Futbolera ® (@nostalgiafutbo1) November 29, 2021
05:31 PMBallon D'Or coming up
Talking of outfits, this is very strong
Johan Cruyff Balón de Oro. 1971. pic.twitter.com/f5EMXVQhmJ
— Nostalgia Futbolera ® (@nostalgiafutbo1) November 29, 2021
05:31 PMBallon D'Or coming up
Ballon D'Or coming up
Good evening and welcome to our live blog coverage of the Ballon D'Or, which is French for "horrible tuxedo". The event takes place in Paris and it might well be a short victory lap home for one Lionel Messi, who is the favourite to take the men's trophy, which will be nice for him and his teammates at PSG we are sure and absolutely in no way a source of jealousy.
The Argentine genius has already won it six times and a seventh will surely not do anything to improve the mood of a Mr C Ronaldo of Manchester, who has already suffered the recent indignity of being left on the subs bench and might now have to watch his great rival bossing it on the red carpet. In winning the Copa America with Argentina this year, Messi answered the only reasonable (and really, not very reasonable) claim against his GOAT status, ie that he hadn't done it on the international stage. We have all run out of superlatives about this magical little feller and who could possibly argue against him winning this gong again tonight? The ceremony will be at 7.30pm GMT and we'll have all the build up, gossip and whatnot for you right here.
The mighty pole Robert Lewandowski was thought to be in the pound seats for the award last year before it was cancelled, and Chelsea's Jorginho is also in with a shout at the minor places. He won the Champions League and Euro 2020 with his Italy in a pretty golden summer.
As for the women's award, Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas and Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema are the favourites. Vivianne Miedema was named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2021 earlier, and as the Netherlands and Women's Super League all-time leading goalscorer, a clearly very worthy winner.
However, not everybody is happy. Here's m'colleague Tom Garry, who has some thoughts for the organisers in this comment piece: Ballon d'Or scheduling proves the women's game remains an afterthought
Spain’s Pedri is fancies to win the Kopa Trophy for the best men’s young player, while Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma head the field for the men’s goalkeeper award, the Yashin Trophy.
The bash is at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris, and will kick off at 7.30pm. You can follow it all here with us or, if you're really keen, on YouTube via L'Equipe or on Eurosport's website.