All Ballon d’Or winners choose the best under-21 player and could vote for three names
Finally, Bellingham won this edition’s award
The Kopa Trophy, awarded by ‘France Football’ magazine, went to Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham. This award, which rewards the best U21 of the year, is chosen by footballers who have won, at least once, the Ballon d’Or, so active and former stars point out their favorites for the future. And the votes give rise to some curiosities.
There was expectation to know who the winner of 8 Ballon d’Ors voted for the best young person of the year. And Messi’s decision was Solomonic. Firstly, he nominated Bayern player Jamal Musiala, a footballer who has dazzled in recent seasons for his offensive clarity.
Messi voted second for Pedri, the Blaugrana footballer who has been standing out for Barça for some time and with whom Messi had the opportunity to play with before leaving Barça. As the third choice, the Argentine opted for Jude Bellingham, the Madrid player who ultimately won the award.
Leo Messi did not give any votes to Balde, a player who was on the list of nominees but did not finish among the top three positions. The one who did vote for the Blaugrana left-back was the ex-Blaugrana and ex-Madrid player Ronaldo Nazario, who chose him as his third option.