PARIS, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- Argentine and Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has grabbed Ballon d'Or Men's award for the world's best player of 2021.
Messi, 34, received the award, presented by the France Football magazine, in a glitzy ceremony held at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris Monday evening.
The PSG star outrivaled Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, Real Madrid's Karim and Chelsea's Jorginho for award.
Messi tops the list of the Ballon d'Or Men award winners, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the award five time (one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid).
Also at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, Italy and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was declared the winner of the Yashin Trophy for the world's best goalkeeper this year.
Spain's and Barcelona star Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or.
Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski received the first Striker of the Year award.
Barcelona and Spain prodigy Pedri won the prestigious Kopa Trophy, presented to the best young player in men's football.
The English club Chelsea was announced as Club of the Year - comprising the achievements of both their men's and women's team.
The annual Ballon d'Or is award is one of the oldest and generally regarded as the most prestigious individual award for football players. It has been awarded since 1956. The lists of nominees are compiled by France Football, after which a panel of journalists from around the world vote for the winners.
Originally, it was awarded only to players from Europe and widely known as the European Footballer of the Year award. In 1995, the Ballon d'Or was expanded to include all players from any origin that have been active at European clubs. The award became a global prize in 2007 with all professional footballers from around the world being eligible. (end) mao.ibi