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#2 Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola is a Chelsea legend. He scored 75 goals and provided 20 assists in 301 appearances for the Blues during his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge. Zola also worked as an assistant coach at Chelsea during the 2018-19 season.
He has backed Jorginho to win the Ballon d'Or this term. Zola believes that his compatriot is worthy of winning football's most prestigious individual prize for the balance he lends to his teams. He said:
"Now we are talking about a fantastic player like Messi, who did extraordinary things for the first time with his national team – and this won't go unnoticed."
"Should they give it to Jorginho? It would be deserved. He gives concrete balance and pace to his teams. I was lucky to have him at Chelsea and I know what he does on the pitch."
"It would be deserved because not only were his performances at a high level, but the teams he played for have been outstanding. This must be taken into account."
#1 Giorgio Chiellini
Italy national team captain Giorgio Chiellini is 37-years-old but he continues to be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He played a starring role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph. The centre-back pairing of Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were not dribbled past even once in the continental competition.
Chiellini has come out in support of his teammate Jorginho and has backed him to go on and win the Ballon d'Or this year. Speaking at a press conference in late September, the veteran centre-back said (via Goal):
“I hope he’ll be able to win, he is a good friend of mine. It’s an award that would feel like it was mine.
“He was involved in a win and emotions that will always be in our hearts. I’ve always thought he was a good player but after the first few training sessions, I realised how good he is, what a top player he is.
“He has great technical qualities, but the real difference is in his head. Many said he was only able to play with Sarri, but everywhere he goes he is a regular starter. I really hope he will win the Ballon d’Or.”
The Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist will be reduced to just three individuals as we edge closer to the event in late November. Jorginho is tipped to make the final three alongside Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi this time.
