4 footballers backing Jorginho to win Ballon d'Or in 2021

Italian midfielder Jorginho has had the best summer of his football career and is a top contender for the Ballon d'Or this time. After playing a pivotal role in Chelsea's Champions League triumph, he then won the European championship with the Italian national team.

Jorginho was a standout performer for both club and country and is a frontrunner in the race for the Ballon d'Or this term. There is an argument that it is not Jorginho's individual brilliance that propelled his sides to glory.

Jorginho has been backed to win the Ballon d'Or by many

However, there is no denying the fact that Jorginho has simply been phenomenal in midfield for the Blues and the Azzurri. At the start of the 2021-22 season, Jorginho added the UEFA Super Cup to his trophy haul.

He was also named UEFA Men's Footballer of the Year for his heroics in the Champions League as well as Euro 2020. The Italian midfield metronome is backed to go all the way and win the Ballon d'Or by many this time.

Without further ado, let's take a look at four current and former footballers who are backing Jorginho to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

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#4 Emerson Palmieri

Italy Training Session - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

Emerson Palmieri has the distinction of being the only player to have won both the Champions League and Euro 2020 with Jorginho. The left-back did not play as important a role as Jorginho in either triumph but did deliver whenever he was called up.

Now the 27-year-old, who is currently on loan at Olympique Lyon, has backed Jorginho to win the Ballon d'Or. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Emerson said (via Daily Post):

“Donnarumma [PSG goalkeeper] did great things at AC Milan.

“Like me, Jorginho won everything, but he has played at a high level for a couple of seasons. He deserves it [Ballon d’ Or].”

#3 Fabio Capello

Media Interviews - Laureus World Sports Awards - Shanghai 2015

Former England national team coach Fabio Capello is yet another individual who believes Jorginho should win the Ballon d'Or. Not only has Jorginho made full use of his passing range in the summer but he has also been excellent at shouldering his defensive responsibilities for his teams.

Jorginho has had a defining summer and Capello believes that no player has been as decisive and influential as him. He told Correire Dello Sport:

"He 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."

#2 Gianfranco Zola

Chelsea Training Session and Press Conference

Gianfranco Zola is a Chelsea legend. He scored 75 goals and provided 20 assists in 301 appearances for the Blues during his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge. Zola also worked as an assistant coach at Chelsea during the 2018-19 season.

He has backed Jorginho to win the Ballon d'Or this term. Zola believes that his compatriot is worthy of winning football's most prestigious individual prize for the balance he lends to his teams. He said:

"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."

"It would be deserved because not only were his performances at a high level, but the teams he played for have been outstanding. This must be taken into account."

#1 Giorgio Chiellini

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

Italy national team captain Giorgio Chiellini is 37-years-old but he continues to be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He played a starring role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph. The centre-back pairing of Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were not dribbled past even once in the continental competition.

Chiellini has come out in support of his teammate Jorginho and has backed him to go on and win the Ballon d'Or this year. Speaking at a press conference in late September, the veteran centre-back said (via Goal):

“I hope he’ll be able to win, he is a good friend of mine. It’s an award that would feel like it was mine.

“He was involved in a win and emotions that will always be in our hearts. I’ve always thought he was a good player but after the first few training sessions, I realised how good he is, what a top player he is.

“He has great technical qualities, but the real difference is in his head. Many said he was only able to play with Sarri, but everywhere he goes he is a regular starter. I really hope he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

The Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist will be reduced to just three individuals as we edge closer to the event in late November. Jorginho is tipped to make the final three alongside Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi this time.