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#6 Rio Ferdinand (former Manchester United and England defender)
Rio Ferdinand is another former player who wants Robert Lewandowski to win this year's Ballon d'Or award.
The former Manchester United and England defender enjoyed a successful career. He won the Champions League title and multiple Premier League titles. About the Ballon d'Or 2021, he said:
"This is a special, special player. Ronaldo and Messi have always been the benchmark, always, but Robert Lewandowski, it’s his time to potentially win the Ballon d’Or this year."
Speaking about Lewandowski's stellar exploits during the year, Ferdinand remarked:
"In the calendar year, by the way, in the 38 games he’s played he’s got 50 goals. No one is near that. This is today in the game, the goals are ridiculous, he scores every type of goal – that’s what I love about him. He’s got your No.9 goals where you’re at the back-post heading balls in like that, he’s got deft touches."
Lewandowski is up to 61 goals for the year now, more than ten goals ahead of anybody else. It remains to be seen if that tally and his trophy haul this year will help him win the Ballon d'Or award.
#5 Rivaldo (1999 Ballon d'Or winner)
Rivaldo was one of the best players of his generation during his playing days. The former Brazil international won the 1999 Ballon d'Or award.
The 49-year-old has said this year's Ballon d'Or award could see a three-horse race between Messi, Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah. However, he feels it's Lewandowski who's the favorite to win the coveted award, saying:
“Robert Lewandowski is the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or when it is awarded on 29 November. He would be a deserved winner, as would Lionel Messi and Mo Salah."
It remains to be seen if Lewandowski will steer clear of the competition on Monday and become the latest winner of the Ballon d'Or award.
#4 Luis Suarez (1960 Ballon d'Or winner)
Barcelona legend Luis Suarez was one of the earliest winners of the Ballon d'Or, winning it in 1960. He won multiple La Liga and Serie A titles.
The 86-year-old Spaniard has also thrown his weight behind Robert Lewandowski to win this year's Ballon d'Or award. Speaking to Carrusel Deportivo (via EuroSport), Suarez said:
"Give Lewandowski the Ballon d'Or, damn it! If not, I'll give you mine!"
Lewandowski would have already been a Ballon d'Or winner had the award not been canceled last year. It remains to be seen if the prolific Pole will add another feather to his cap by winning the coveted award this year.
