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#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.
