Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for 2021 Ballon d’Or as Mason Greenwood makes Kopa Trophy shortlist
As per Manchester Evening News, Manchester United stars, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, have made the 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d’Or.
The list includes 30 of the best players in the world in the last 12 months, and the Portuguese duo has rightly made the shortlist. Bruno is yet to win the award while his compatriot Ronaldo has 5 wins to his name.
The 36-year-old striker first won the award back in 2008 as a Manchester United player. United had beaten Chelsea to lift the UEFA Champions League that year and Ronaldo was at the peak of his powers.
His next four wins came during his time at Real Madrid. If he manages to win the award this time around, he will tie Lionel Messi for most Ballon d’Or wins with 6.
Bruno, Ronaldo make the cut
Portugal failed to impress at the 2020 UEFA Euros while Juventus, the team Ronaldo played for until this summer, faltered domestically as well as in Europe.
Manchester United also ended the last season trophy-less. While the award acknowledges individual talent and achievements, winning team trophies can also increase a player’s chances of winning it.
20-year-old striker Mason Greenwood has also made the shortlist for the Kopa Trophy, which is the ‘youngster equivalent‘ of the Ballon d’Or.
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Widely recognized as the most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or and Kopa Trophy is awarded only to the best of the best. Ronaldo’s 2008 win is also the last time a Manchester United player lifted the Ballon d’Or trophy.
