Seven FC Barcelona candidates for the 2021 Ballon d'Or
The candidates for the 2021 Ballon d'Or have been announced and there are seven Barça names involved, five for the women's award and two for the men's version. From Barça Women Alexia Putellas, Sandra Paños, Lieke Martens, Irene Paredes and Jennifer Hermoso are all on the shortlist whilst for the men, Pedri and Leo Messi, the latter a blaugrana until this summer, are named amongst the candidates for the prestigious award.
Women to the fore
With their five candidates for the women's award, FC Barcelona are the club best represented on the 20 woman list following last season's great success which included a first ever Champions League title for Barça Women.
First time for Pedri
With regards to the men's award Canary Island midfielder Pedri is included on the 30 man shortlist in his very first season at the top level in European Football. The Barça midfielder was named 'Best Young Player' in Euro 2020 in the summer in which he helped Spain reach the semi finals.
Messi chasing a seventh award
Also on the list is Leo Messi, a Barça player up until the summer following a career of setting record after record. Messi has already won the award on six occasions (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019), more than any other player and this years sees him in line for a possible seventh to further extend his legend.
Pedri also nominated for the Kopa Award
The young midfielder is also on the 10 man shortlist for the Kopa Trophy, given to the best player U21 for the year. Despite being just 18 years of age Pedri is in line to compete with more experienced players for two important accolades after a dream first season at Barça.
The winners of all the awards will be announced by organisers France Football on 29 November.