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Jorginho is one of the primary contenders for the 2021 Ballon d'Or award. The Italian is one of the most underrated players in the game and often plays key roles for club and country.
The 29-year-old was crucial to Chelsea's UEFA Champions League triumph earlier this year. As if that wasn't enough, Jorginho also starred in Italy's triumphant Euro 2020 campaign later in the summer. That made him one of a handful of players to win both competitions in the same year.
Unlike most of the other 2021 Ballon d'Or contenders, Jorginho is not often in the limelight, as he does the 'dirty' work on the field. It goes without saying that the Italian is also the designated penalty taker for both club and country.
Considering his exploits this year, Jorginho has been tipped by many to win this year's Ballon d'Or award, ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
On that note, here's a look at five legends who are backing Jorginho to win this year's Ballon d'Or award:
#5 Fernando Morientes (former Spain and Real Madrid striker)
The Ballon d'Or award, especially in recent years, has mostly favored attackers. The only midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or in the last decade was Luka Modric in 2018. However, Fernando Morientes, one of the top strikers for club and country during his playing days, wants to move away from that trend once again this year.
Morientes reckons that players in parts of the field apart from attack are equally important. The Real Madrid legend feels that, considering Jorginho's exploits in the Champions League and Euros this year, he deserves the 2021 Ballon d'Or award. Morientes said:
“Each one of us has our preferences. I think they will give it to a striker, I’m sure. I could say the ones everyone would vote for right now. But there’s a player that did an amazing season, and that’s Jorginho.”
He went on to add:
“I’m a Real Madrid supporter, but I would give it to Jorginho. We always look at the same players, the ones that scores goals. Players from other positions are excluded from the Ballon d’Or but these players are also very important.”
It remains to be seen if voters will think likewise when the 2021 Ballon d'Or winner is announced on Monday.
#4 Marcelo Lippi (Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning manager)
Marcelo Lippi etched his name in Italian folklore when he led the Azzurri to an unexpected triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. The legendary Italian manager has tipped his younger compatriot Jorginho to win this year's Ballon d'Or award, saying:
“Despite the mistake from the penalty spot yesterday (Italy vs Switzerland), I would give it (Ballon d’Or 2021) to Jorginho. He has won everything and when one wins everything, it’s right that he gets this recognition. There are great champions who have won little or nothing, then champions who have won everything, and must be rewarded.”
Jorginho has indeed played his part in two big titles this year and would be a deserving winner of the 2021 Ballon d'Or award.
#3 Gianfranco Zola (former Italy and Chelsea player)
Chelsea and Italy legend Gianfranco Zola has also tipped compatriot Jorginho to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or award.
The 55-year-old former striker said that the Chelsea player would be a deserved winner of the Ballon d'Or. Zola added, however, that Lionel Messi's exploits in Argentina's victorious Copa America 2021 campaign are unlikely to go unnoticed, saying:
“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.”
Zola added:
“It would be deserved because not only were his performances at a high level, but the teams he (Jorginho) played for have been outstanding. This must be taken into account.”
It remains to be seen if Jorginho trumps six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi to become the first Italian winner of the coveted award since 2006.
#2 Giorgio Chiellini (Jorginho's Italy teammate, Juventus and Italy legend)
Giorgio Chiellini is widely regarded as one of the best active centre-backs in the game. The Juventus and Italy legend led the Azzurri to glory at Euro 2020 this summer, where his teammate Jorginho played a key role.
Considering the same, the 37-year-old has tipped Jorginho to win this year's Ballon d'Or award, saying:
“I truly hope he will be able to win it, because he’s a good friend of mine. And it would also be an award that I will also feel is mine, being an Italian of course, and as a player involved in a win and emotions that will always be in our hearts.”
Chiellini added:
“I’d always thought that Jorginho was a good player. Since (Roberto) Mancini arrived and was able to give him continuity, I was able to realise just how good he is and what a top player he really is.”
Jorginho has indeed flourished under Italy manager Roberto Mancini. Victory in the race for the 2021 Ballon d'Or award would be apt recognition of the former's stellar exploits this year.
#1 Fabio Capello (former England manager)
Former England manager Fabio Capello is another legend of the game, considering his exploits for club and country either side of the touchline.
The legendary manager recently voiced his support for his compatriot Jorginho to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or award. He said in an interview with Corriere dello Sport:
“He (Jorginho) undoubtedly deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, not just because he won everything but because he played a key role in those achievements. I don't see players who were as decisive as him in 2021.”
It remains to be seen what factors will be taken into consideration by voters when they decide the 2021 Ballon d'Or winner on Monday.
