In a surprising turn of events, reports suggest that Lionel Messi might lose his 2021 Ballon d’Or to Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. France Football, the organization behind the prestigious award, is reportedly considering this unprecedented move to honor Lewandowski’s exceptional performance during the 2019/2020 football season with Bayern Munich amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ballon d’Or, one of the most coveted awards in football, was canceled for the first time in its history in 2020. The official statement from France Football read: “For the first time since 1956, the Ballon d’Or will take a break. There will be no edition in 2020, because it turns out, after thoughtful consideration, that all the conditions are not met. We believe that such a singular year cannot – and should not – be treated as an ordinary one. To avoid overly convoluted calculations and projections, we chose the least bad of the options.”
This cancellation was a significant disappointment for football fans worldwide, especially given Lewandowski’s outstanding performance that season. He was widely expected to win the award after leading Bayern Munich to numerous victories, including the UEFA Champions League.
In 2021, Lewandowski was again nominated for the Ballon d’Or but lost to Lionel Messi, a decision that sparked controversy and debate within the football community. Many felt that Lewandowski’s achievements in the 2019/2020 season had been overlooked.
According to recent reports, France Football is now considering awarding Lewandowski a retrospective Ballon d’Or for 2020, recognizing his incredible contributions during that period. While there are no indications that Messi’s 2021 award is at risk, this development highlights ongoing concerns about the credibility and decision-making process of the Ballon d’Or.
Critics argue that awarding Lewandowski the 2020 Ballon d’Or now is too little, too late, and may be seen as a mere consolation. The decision could be interpreted as an attempt to restore faith in the award, which has faced scrutiny since its separation from FIFA.
An online ceremony could have been conducted in 2020 to honor Lewandowski’s achievements, giving him the recognition he deserved in real-time. Presenting the award four years later, however, may not carry the same weight or significance.
This situation underscores the complexities and challenges in maintaining the integrity of prestigious awards in the ever-evolving world of sports. As fans and players await France Football’s final decision, the debate over the rightful recipient of the 2020 Ballon d’Or continues to stir emotions and discussions across the footballing world.
