BALLON D'OR. AS IT HAPPENED.

Perhaps the most prestigious individual prize in the world of football, the Ballon D'or returned to Paris on Tuesday with all its glamour after having canceled its 2020 edition due to the coronavirus pandemic. Football's biggest names gathered for the event and Didier Drogba and Sandra got the proceedings underway. 

Trophee Kopa: Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)

It came to no surprise that the young Barcelona star edged out the likes of Mason Greenwood and Jude Bellingham. 56 appearances, a Copa del Rey, and a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with La Roja. Pedri had a stellar season and we can rest assured that there will more magical moments by the player.

Trophee Yashin: Gianluigi Donnaruma (PSG, Italy)

The best goalkeeper was awarded to Gianluigi Donnaruma for his incredible performances with AC Milan helping then secure a Champions league qualification and bagging the Euro 2020 trophy with the Italian national team.

Ballon D'or Femini: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona Femini, Spain)

A landslide victory for La Reina as Alexia became the latest Ballon D'or recipient bagging 186 points over her teammate Jennifer Hermoso.

Striker of the year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich, Poland)

The new award was announced just hours before the ceremony and while many consider it an artificial award made just to please Lewandowski, none can argue that he was the best striker this year by a mile. 

Ballon D'or: Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina)

A historical moment in itself as Lionel Messi bagged his 7th Ballon D'or ahead of Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho and Kanté. A Copa del Rey champion, 8th time Pichichi winner and a Copa America champion with Argentina, none can argue that it has been Leo Messi's year yet again as he finally bagged an international trophy with Argentina.