Italian journalist Paolo Condò reveals he voted Jorginho as the best player for 2021 because he became European champion with underdogs Chelsea and Italy.
Jorginho was ranked 3rd at the Ballon d’Or 2021, which Leo Messi won for the seventh time in his career.
Condò, the Italian journalist who took part in the vote, explained why he picked Jorginho over Messi.
“Chelsea were not the favourite to win the Champions League at the beginning of the season and the same goes for Italy at the Euros,” Condò told Sky Sport Italia.
“Jorginho played a key role for both teams. That’s why I voted for him, not because he is Italian. I had never picked a compatriot before.”
Condò, who works for La Repubblica newspaper and Sky Sport Italia, is the only Italian voter in the Ballon d’Or panel.
He picked Jorginho, followed by Karim Benzema, Leo Messi, Robert Lewandowski and Simon Kjaer.
“It’s been an amazing year, I am really happy and proud of myself and the whole team, both teams. The national team and Chelsea,” Jorginho said during the ceremony.
I miei voti per il Pallone d’oro
1) Jorginho
2) Benzema
3) Messi
4) Lewandowski
5) Kjaer
Per il trofeo Yashin
1) Donnarumma
2) Mendy
3) Oblak— Paolo Condò (@PaoloCond) November 29, 2021
“We made an incredible job and I am really grateful.”
Gigio Donnarumma was ranked 10th but was named the best goalkeeper for 2021, while Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini finished in the top 20.
No bias here…am almost shocked
The bias exists on the form of Messi having been voted Ballon d’Or winner, a French designated award…Messi transfers to PSG.
Coincidence? No.
That’s the real bias in this popularity contest.
This should be the shortest article in the world. “He’s Italian.. Kinda”
Yes Chris, Messi is of Italian decent both from father and mother. Unfortunately plays for Argentina. Personally I think Jorginho should have won on the grounds Condo` states i.e. winning with Chelsea and Italy. It had to be the main reasons but was incorrectly overlooked. Never mind, lets hope he does well and gets us to the WC in Qatar.