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#3 N'Golo Kante | Chelsea
N'Golo Kante has earned a nomination for the Ballon d'Or award this year after missing out on the 30-man shortlist in 2019. The defining moment in his 2020-21 campaign were his stellar performances in the later stages of the Champions League. He won four Man-of-the-Match awards in seven games.
The Chelsea midfielder has established himself as one of the best in his position. Kante was awarded the Midfielder of the Season in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League, so the Ballon d'Or award may not seem too far-fetched for him.
He had a decent outing with France at EURO 2020, where the reigning world champions were eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 16 on penalties. Injuries meant Kante has had a slow start to his 2021-22 campaign. But when he is in full fitness, he puts in performances that are worthy of winning the Ballon d'Or award.
#2 Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders of his generation. He has made a name for himself with his pinpoint passes and ability to create chances from almost nothing. The Belgian pass-master is already among the top 10 assist providers of all time in the Premier League, with 78 assists.
He was awarded the PFA Players' Player of the Year award for the second year running in 2021. That's because he played a key role in Manchester City's third Premier League triumph in four years last season. He was part of the team that won three domestic trophies, and made it to the Champions League final.
This is De Bruyne's sixth appearance in the Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist. The only thing that puts a dent in his chances of finishing in the top 3 is his failure with Belgium at Euro 2020. The Red Devils lost to eventual winners Italy in the quarter-final.
#1 Jorginho | Chelsea
It is rare for players to be the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or award in their very first nomination. But Jorginho's impressive performances and trophies for club and country this year almost guarantees him at least a podium finish.
He enters the Ballon d'Or shortlist for the first time with an impressive CV. He has won the Champions League, Euro 2020 and the Player of the Season in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League.
He may not be able to add to his impressive collection by November, but trophies are given a lot of consideration by the Ballon d'Or voters. And Jorginho's stats also make him stand out in the Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist. Despite that, he remains an unpopular and perhaps an unlikely winner of the prestigious award.
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Poll : Who is the best midfielder in the Ballon d'Or 2021 30-man shortlist?
Jorgihno
Kevin De Bryune
71 votes
