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France Football has announced this year's Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist and it compiles the best footballers of 2021. The Ballon d'Or has been one of the most sought-after means to adjudge the best footballer in the world.
Started in 1956, the award was determined via a voting method. Voting was done solely by football journalists until 2006. Since 2007, the coaches and captains of national teams were given the right to vote as well.
In the history of the Ballon d'Or, we have seen the best of the best players lifting the coveted trophy. The 2021's final 30 comprises supremely talented veterans and also budding talents that surprised the world.
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The starlets, who have a promising future ahead of them, have already started seeing the results of their hard work. The same brings us to the topic of the day.
5 youngest players in the Ballon d'Or 2021 30-man shortlist.
#5 Mason Mount (Chelsea/England) — 22 years and 10 months
Mason Mount was a crucial part of Chelsea and England that dominated Europe on the basis of their youth squad. Having appeared for the Chelsea U18 team at the age of 15 and the U21 team at 17, Mount earned a senior call-up by the time he was 20.
The Portsmouth-born midfielder displayed early signs of maturity and cited Frank Lampard, Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta as his inspirations. Chelsea's player of the year 2020/21, Mount, is a regular starter and is one of Thomas Tuchel's favorites.
Mason Mount also helped England reach the final of the EURO 2020. His heroics throughout the tournament earned him a spot in the EURO 2020 Team of the Year.
#4 Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan/PSG/Italy) — 22 years and 7 months
Nothing much needs to be said about Gianluigi Donnarumma as of now. In a tournament where forwards and defenders battled it out, Donnarumma emerged as the Player of the Tournament for all the right reasons.
After helping Italy secure its first European Championship since 1968, he became only the second goalkeeper in history to win the Player of the Tournament award. The former AC Milan shot-stopper denied Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho to help his side lift the trophy.
The 22-year-old had a scintillating year last term and played his part in helping AC Milan finish second in Serie A. Unsurprisingly, Donnarumma earned a place on the 2021 Ballon d'Or 30-man list.
#3 Phil Foden (Manchester City/England) — 21 years and 4 months
Another Ballon d'Or 2021 nominee, Phil Foden, had a season to remember last term. Joining Manchester City at the age of 4, Foden emerged as one of the best Manchester City academy graduates.
Spoken highly of by his manager Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden is also the go-to player for his national team coach Gareth Southgate. Since the 2020/21 season, Foden has accumulated many club and individual accolades.
Premier League winner, EFL winner, UEFA Champions League runner-up. UEFA Euro 2020 runner-up, Champions League squad of the season, PFA Young Player of the Year, Premier League Young Player of the Season - Foden has won far too many in the last season alone.
He is one of the favorites to make it into the Ballon d'Or gala frequently for years to come.
#2 Erling Haaland (Norway/Borussia Dortmund) — 21 years and 2 months
There is no doubt that sooner or later Erling Haaland is going to bring the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy home. The Norwegian striker started his pro season in 2018. After just four full seasons, Haaland has not just made it onto the Ballon d'Or 30-man list but is one of the favorites to get the closest to the trophy.
The Borussia Dortmund prodigy is a goal machine. His goal-to-game ratio is already impressive in domestic league and Champions League outings. Erling Haaland has scored 27 goals off 28 games last season in Bundesliga and 10 off 8 matches in UCL.
Also a key member of the national squad, Haaland has bagged 12 goals off just 15 international games so far.
#1 Pedri (Spain/Barcelona) — 18 years and 10 months
Pedri possesses every quality that a midfielder of his age can only dream of. The same fact makes him one of the most looked upon youngsters in the world right now.
Pedri is an unavoidable cog within the club and the national team. He has been tirelessly featuring in every single game for Barcelona and Spain. The 2020/21 campaign saw Pedri play 73 games! And after just 8 days, he was back for the new season as well.
Dubbed, part man, part machine, Pedri is one of those players who give their heart out for the team. His inclusion in the 2021 Ballon d'Or list of last 30 does not come as a surprise to any.
Which youngster deserves to win the Ballon d'Or trophy according to you? Let us know in the comments sections.
