Sports

Lionel Messi wins record seventh Ballon d’Or

Published

3 years ago

November 30, 2021

Muktar Balogun

Lionel Messi who left Barcelona at the beginning of the season, has become the only footballer to win the Ballon d’Or a record seven times.

Lionel Messi wins record seventh Ballon d’Or

He was presented with the best men footballer of the year award yesterday, Nov. 29, 2021 after winning his first international trophy for his country.

The Argentine edged out his competitors from Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandoski and the Champions league-winning duo of Chelsea, Ngolo Kante and Jorginho.

Lionel Messi had earlier been presented his best goalscorer award, Pichichi, for his performance last season at Barcelona.

“I’m really proud to win the France Football Ballon d’Or once again,” said Messi.

“It’s incredible to win it for the seventh time. I would like to thank my family, my friends and all the people who follow me and always support me, because without them I couldn’t have done it”.

Robert Lewandoski, meanwhile, went home with the best striker award at the tournament.

Lewandoski had 580 points, coming second behind Messi who had 613 points.

Leo Messi acknowledged the impact of Lewandoski. He said, “I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it’s been a real honour to compete with you. Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or – you deserve it and you should have it at home”.

For the first time ever, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared outside the top 5 of the award, coming sixth behind Kante, Benzema, Jorginho, Lewandoski and Messi respectively.

Chelsea also claimed the club of the year award for having most players nominated across all of the categories.

Sports

Chelsea name Enzo Maresca as new manager

Published

2 months ago

June 3, 2024

Mayowa

Enzo Maresca on Monday appointed as the new manager of the men’s team at Chelsea FC.

The West London Premier League team made this announcement on its website in a statement, saying, commencing July 1, 2024, Maresca will assume his new position. The Blues put the Italian under contract for five years.

Reacting, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea.

“He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.”

Sports

Kylian Mbappé to join Real Madrid as new signing next week

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Mayowa

After winning the Champions League, Kylian Mbappé is expected to be announced as a new signing by Real Madrid the following week.

In February, the 25-year-old international athlete made his choice. He can now be regarded as a new Real player because every document has been completed, sealed, and signed.

As per media reports, Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. “.. I wanted to announce to you all that it’s my last year at Paris Saint-Germain. I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks. I will play my last game as Parc des Princes on Sunday,” Mbappe said in a video statement on X.

“It’s a lot of emotions. (For) many years I had the chance and great honour to be a member of the biggest French club, one of the best in the world which allowed me to travel here,” Mbappe added.

“It’s hard and I never thought it would be this difficult to announce that I will leave the country, France, the league and the Championship. But I think, I needed this, a new challenge after seven years.”