Lionel Messi, Barcelona, PSG and Argentina The Argentine is the bookmakers' favorite to win the Ballon d'or for the seventh (!) Time. 2021 was the year when Messi switched from his beloved childhood club, Barcelona, to the French vice-champions from PSG. It was also the year he finally won a title with the Argentine national team. Titles: Copa America and Copa del Rey Personal statistics: 41 goals and 17 assists Odds: 1.36 Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich and Poland The Pole has continued to plan his goals into the Bundesliga. Many believe he should have won last year, but since it was not awarded in 2020, he did not get the golden ball. However, he is back in the running this year and may end up winning his first Ballon d'or. Titles: Bundesliga winner, Club World Cup and DFL Super Cup Personal statistics: 64 goals and 10 assists Odds: 3.00 Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France The Frenchman has gotten better and wiser over the years and is the most important man on the Real Madrid team. It did not turn into any titles at club level, but with the French national team he won the UEFA Nations League. Titles: UEFA Nations League Personal statistics: 42 goals and 14 assists Odds: 25.00 Mohamed Salah, Liverpool and Egypt The Egyptian pharaoh has been phenomenal for Liverpool, especially this autumn. The Egyptian both scores and assists his teammates. Although he did not have the same level in the spring, he is still perhaps the best in the Premier League when he performs. Titles: None Personal statistics: 34 goals and 12 assists Odds: 25.00 Jorginho, Chelsea and Italy The Italian midfielder has been judged on titles, the one who has done the best among the favorites this year. His understanding of the game and overview is underestimated and he was an important piece at Chelsea when they won the Champions League in the spring and at the Italian national team when they won the European Championship this summer. Titles: European Championship, Champions League and UEFA Super Cup Personal statistics: Eight goals and three assists Odds: 33.00