Who Should I Bet On to Win the Ballon d’Or in 2021?
Many people were left scratching their heads this year when FIFA inexplicably decided to cancel the 2020 Ballon d’Or award for the best soccer player on the planet. While the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would have been disappointed not to have had the chance to add to their already extensive trophy collections, to say the least, spare a thought for Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski who netted an incredible 55 goals in all competitions last season and was the odds-on favorite to win his maiden Ballon d’Or as he reaches the peak of his powers.
With many of the world’s best players past the age of 30 now and surely set to decline and let in some of the new blood that is coming through, we take a look at where the smart money should go if you are placing a bet at one of the many amazing sports betting and online casino Malaysia has on offer at the moment.
1. Lionel Messi
After the furore of nearly leaving his beloved Barcelona in the offseason, you can bet your bottom dollar that the legend that is Lionel Messi will have a massive point to prove to his adoring fans and the much-maligned Barcelona boardroom. Even though he is getting on in age, we can see his consummate professionalism shining through and leading to even more media attention than he usually gets.
2. Robert Lewandowski
From a standpoint of pure merit, we would love to see Lewandowski win a Ballon d’Or to make up for the one that was cruelly denied him in 2020. With Bayern set to dominate domestically again and possessing all the tools to mount another assault on the Champions League again, we would not be against the Polish striker bagging a hatful and being in serious contention again.
3. Mohamed Salah
Where to start on Mohamad Salah? The Egyptian King has surpassed the wildest expectations of even the most ardent Liverpool fans since his arrival on Merseyside three years ago, Having helped the Reds to their first-ever Premier League title, Salah looks to have rocket fuel in his boots again, and we think he will be in the reckoning again for a first Ballon d’Or come next summer.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
It seems strange to see Ronaldo at fourth place on this list. Second only behind arch-rival Messi in terms of the number of Ballon d’Ors won, Ronaldo enjoyed a stellar season at Juventus in a league that is well-known to be harder to score goals in.
All in all, if Messi plays anywhere near the level we know he is capable of, we think that the safe bet is to put your money on him for a record seven Ballon d’Ors next year.