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It is that time of the year again. France Football's coveted trophy, the prestigious Ballon d'Or, is up for grabs and we are down to the last 30. Ever since its establishment in 1956, the Golden Ball has been the parameter to adjudge the best footballer in the world.
Over the course of years, many talented individuals kissed this highly-priced trophy. However, there has never been as close a contention for the Ballon d'Or as it was during the Messi-Ronaldo era. The duo won 11 trophies between them and 10 of them in a row. Even though they are seemingly past their primes, neither Cristiano nor Messi seems to be fading away.
France Football released their final 30-man list today and undoubtedly these two have made their cuts.
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The list includes talented players from across the world and it's going to be exciting to witness who'll be taking the Ballon d'Or home on 29th November 2021. On the same note, let's take a look at
5 oldest players in the Ballon d'Or 2021 30-men shortlist
#5 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy) — 34 years and 5 months
Bonucci had a summer to remember. The Juventus stopper helped Italy secure an international trophy after a gap of 15 years. He played a pivotal role in the Azzurri's Euro campaign and the road that led them to it.
Leonardo Bonucci, the backbone of Italy's defense, helped Italy concede a lesser number of goals during their record-breaking unbeatable run. Even though the 34-year-old had a below par season at club level, his international heroics earned him a spot on the Ballon d'Or 2021 30-man shortlist.
He was last nominated in 2017.
#4 Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid/Uruguay) — 34 years and 8 months
In the previous year, Luis Suarez has done something that not everyone can do. After being kicked out of his own team, Suarez joined the rival team to beat his former side to the title.
The Uruguayan helped Atletico Madrid lift the La Liga trophy just last year after learning from Koeman that he was not part of his plans. Rising from his setbacks, the former Liverpool man earned quite a reputation for himself last season.
With 21 goals, Suarez ended up as the team's top goal scorer and made sure the Rojiblancos won't miss Griezmann's presence. At the age of 34, Luis looks set at Wanda Metropolitano and his fine form has earned him a place on the Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist.
#3 Luka Modric (Real Madrid/Croatia) — 36 years and 1 month
The history book has got this Croatian captain's name etched on golden pages. Luka Modric is the man who broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or award. He has once again made it into the penultimate list of best players at the moment.
The Real Madrid number 10's story is no less than a fairytale. He was voted the worst signing in 2012. From there, to lead his nation to their first-ever FIFA World Cup final and then win the Ballon d'Or, it all seems like a dream.
He is rightly lauded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Modric helped keep Real Madrid together when it seemed they would break apart due to Cristiano and Zidane's departure.
Other than being selected as the best Real Madrid player for the 2020-21 season, Modric had a below-par season. However, his impeccable skillset has earned him enough votes to make it onto the Ballon d'Or 30-men shortlist.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Manchester United/Portugal) — 36 years and 8 months
Nobody fits the idiom 'aging like a fine wine' as much as Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese captain is the epitome of fitness, talent and dedication that grows with his age. A superstar on and off the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be on top of his form and the game.
Since 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo has never failed (except for 2010) to take a spot on the Ballon d'Or top three podium. He has won the prestigious trophy a total of five times, second only to his life-long rival Lionel Messi. Cristiano has also ended up in second spot on six occasions.
Holding on to the ability to single-handedly change the course of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo was never not a favorite to win the Ballon d'Or. Even though the former Real Madrid poacher has won it five times, his fanatics believe he was robbed off the award on an occasion or two.
The world awaits to see if the Manchester United man can match his counterpart and win the sixth Ballon d'Or before hanging his boots.
#1 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus/Italy) — 37 years and 2 months
Leading Italy throughout their glorious campaign, Chiellini lifted the Euro 2020 trophy on his country's behalf. The 37-year-old veteran led from the front at the same time, guarded his team from behind.
Chiellini is considered one of the best defenders of all time and has been constantly involved in Juventus' Serie A domination. He is a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch. Chiellini is one of the few players who earns an equal amount of admiration from teammates and rivals.
He is one of the best centre-backs to have made it onto the list. If it wasn't for goal scoring exploits, Chiellini would have surely made it into the Ballon d'Or top-three list.
