Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas both scored twice as Barcelona began their defence of the Women's Champions League title on Tuesday with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Benfica, while a ruthless Lyon hit nine against Slavia Prague. Barcelona are aiming to win the Champions League for the third time in four seasons and their strength in depth was summed up by the presence of six players in their starting line-up who played in August's World Cup final in Sydney, when Spain beat England 1-0.

A crowd of fewer than 5,000 watched Putellas, who was a substitute in the World Cup final after missing almost all of last season due to a serious knee injury, head in the opener with quarter of an hour played. Putellas then followed up to make it 2-0 on the line when a header by Esmee Brugts beat the Portuguese side's goalkeeper, and Bonmati got the third with a composed finish just before the interval.

Putellas was replaced at the break and Bonmati then netted again seven minutes after the restart having been set up by Caroline Graham Hansen. Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala wrapped up a convincing victory by scoring with an overhead kick just seconds after coming on as a substitute.

"The motivation for this club is to arrive in the Champions League final every year," Barcelona's England midfielder Keira Walsh told DAZN. "If you look at the mentality of these girls, that's what I saw when I came in here. "It was always, constantly being at the top in training every single day. It's so competitive and that speaks for itself."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-joel-embiid-lead-helps-philadelphia-76ers-defeat-los-angeles-lakers-663722">NBA: Joel Embiid stars as Philadelphia 76ers defeat Los Angeles Lakers</a>

Also in Group A, Eintracht Frankfurt won 2-1 away to Rosengard of Sweden, with captain Tanja Pawollek opening the scoring before Barbara Dunst netted the second for the Germans, who have won the competition four times. Captain Olivia Schough pulled a goal back for Rosengard, the Swedish champions.

<h2>Hegerberg's 60th goal</h2>

Lyon, the record eight-time Champions League winners, are expected to make short work of Group B and they showed no mercy to their hosts in the Czech Republic. France star Kadidiatou Diani, a close-season signing from Paris Saint-Germain, netted twice for Lyon while 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg scored a penalty in the second half.

The Norwegian is the Champions League's all-time top scorer and that was her 60th goal in the competition. There was also a brace for Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles, with Sara Daebritz, Danielle van de Donk, Eugenie Le Sommer and substitute Amel Majri getting their other goals.

Seen as one of the main threats to Barcelona's hopes of retaining the trophy, Lyon's next game will be at home to the Austrian side St Poelten. "If everything goes the way we want it to go, we can go far in every competition," said the Lyon coach, Sonia Bompastor.

St Poelten were beaten 2-1 at home by Brann of Norway on Tuesday, with US-born Icelandic international defender Natasha Anasi scoring the winner for the visitors. The other groups get underway on Wednesday, when English champions Chelsea travel to play Real Madrid in Group D. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was on Tuesday confirmed as the next coach of the United States, a position she will take up after this season.

Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas both scored twice as Barcelona began their defence of the Women's Champions League title on Tuesday with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Benfica, while a ruthless Lyon hit nine against Slavia Prague.

Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas both scored twice as Barcelona began their defence of the Women's Champions League title on Tuesday with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Benfica, while a ruthless Lyon hit nine against Slavia Prague. Barcelona are aiming to win the Champions League for the third time in four seasons and their strength in depth was summed up by the presence of six players in their starting line-up who played in August's World Cup final in Sydney, when Spain beat England 1-0. A crowd of fewer than 5,000 watched Putellas, who was a substitute in the World Cup final after missing almost all of last season due to a serious knee injury, head in the opener with quarter of an hour played. Putellas then followed up to make it 2-0 on the line when a header by Esmee Brugts beat the Portuguese side's goalkeeper, and Bonmati got the third with a composed finish just before the interval. Putellas was replaced at the break and Bonmati then netted again seven minutes after the restart having been set up by Caroline Graham Hansen. Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala wrapped up a convincing victory by scoring with an overhead kick just seconds after coming on as a substitute. "The motivation for this club is to arrive in the Champions League final every year," Barcelona's England midfielder Keira Walsh told DAZN. "If you look at the mentality of these girls, that's what I saw when I came in here. "It was always, constantly being at the top in training every single day. It's so competitive and that speaks for itself." Also Read: NBA: Joel Embiid stars as Philadelphia 76ers defeat Los Angeles Lakers Also in Group A, Eintracht Frankfurt won 2-1 away to Rosengard of Sweden, with captain Tanja Pawollek opening the scoring before Barbara Dunst netted the second for the Germans, who have won the competition four times. Captain Olivia Schough pulled a goal back for Rosengard, the Swedish champions. Hegerberg's 60th goal Lyon, the record eight-time Champions League winners, are expected to make short work of Group B and they showed no mercy to their hosts in the Czech Republic. France star Kadidiatou Diani, a close-season signing from Paris Saint-Germain, netted twice for Lyon while 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg scored a penalty in the second half. The Norwegian is the Champions League's all-time top scorer and that was her 60th goal in the competition. There was also a brace for Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles, with Sara Daebritz, Danielle van de Donk, Eugenie Le Sommer and substitute Amel Majri getting their other goals. Seen as one of the main threats to Barcelona's hopes of retaining the trophy, Lyon's next game will be at home to the Austrian side St Poelten. "If everything goes the way we want it to go, we can go far in every competition," said the Lyon coach, Sonia Bompastor. St Poelten were beaten 2-1 at home by Brann of Norway on Tuesday, with US-born Icelandic international defender Natasha Anasi scoring the winner for the visitors. The other groups get underway on Wednesday, when English champions Chelsea travel to play Real Madrid in Group D. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was on Tuesday confirmed as the next coach of the United States, a position she will take up after this season.

Football: Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas score brace as Barcelona beat Benfica in Champions League

Spain fired a warning shot to their Women's World Cup rivals with a 3-0 victory over&nbsp;Costa Rica on Friday, with superstar Alexia Putellas making a late cameo off the bench.

The Spaniards showed why they're among the favourites in a Group C mismatch in Wellington, rifling 46 shots against opponents who spent nearly the entire game defending and were flattered by the scoreline.

La Roja dominated possession from the start with their slick passing and threatened a rout when all three goals came in the space of six minutes midway through the first half.

They were joined in the 77th minute by reigning two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas, whose fitness had been in doubt after cutting short a training session on Monday.

Coach Jorge Vilda indicated on Thursday he would carefully manage the workload of the 29-year-old midfielder, who hasn't completed a full game since returning in April from a serious knee injury.

Putellas produced some neat touches over the closing minutes but couldn't help a frustrated Spain add to the scoresheet.

Her Barcelona team-mate Aitana Bonmati was a classy playmaker throughout most of the contest, creating many of Spain's best chances and finding the net herself.

Bonmati was one of three players who returned from a nine-month exile to play in the World Cup.

She was among a group of 15 who&nbsp;made themselves unavailable for selection in a player revolt against Vilda that rocked Spain's preparations.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-ayesha-naseem-announces-shock-retirement-at-18-to-align-her-life-with-principles-of-islam-618114">Pakistan's Ayesha Naseem announces shock retirement at 18 to align her life with principles of Islam</a>

The first goal came 21 minutes into the contest when Costa Rica defender Valeria del Campo sliced a low cross from Esther Gonzalez into her own net.

Bonmati doubled the lead while Gonzalez grabbed the third with a close-range volley.

It should have been four soon afterwards but Jennifer Hermoso was denied from the penalty spot by goalkeeper Daniela Solera, who was a critical figure in keeping the scoreline down.

Solera made nine saves, including a host of fingertip efforts&nbsp;in the second half, as Spain lost some fluidity.

Costa Rica are still searching for a first World Cup win, having failed to advance from the group phase in their lone appearance eight years ago, when their opening match was a 1-1 draw with Spain.

The teams share the same group as Japan and Zambia, who meet in Hamilton on Saturday.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Spain fired a warning shot to their Women's World Cup rivals with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Friday, with superstar Alexia Putellas making a late cameo off the bench.

Spain fired a warning shot to their Women's World Cup rivals with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Friday, with superstar Alexia Putellas making a late cameo off the bench. The Spaniards showed why they're among the favourites in a Group C mismatch in Wellington, rifling 46 shots against opponents who spent nearly the entire game defending and were flattered by the scoreline. La Roja dominated possession from the start with their slick passing and threatened a rout when all three goals came in the space of six minutes midway through the first half. They were joined in the 77th minute by reigning two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas, whose fitness had been in doubt after cutting short a training session on Monday. Coach Jorge Vilda indicated on Thursday he would carefully manage the workload of the 29-year-old midfielder, who hasn't completed a full game since returning in April from a serious knee injury. Putellas produced some neat touches over the closing minutes but couldn't help a frustrated Spain add to the scoresheet. Her Barcelona team-mate Aitana Bonmati was a classy playmaker throughout most of the contest, creating many of Spain's best chances and finding the net herself. Bonmati was one of three players who returned from a nine-month exile to play in the World Cup. She was among a group of 15 who made themselves unavailable for selection in a player revolt against Vilda that rocked Spain's preparations. ALSO READ | Pakistan's Ayesha Naseem announces shock retirement at 18 to align her life with principles of Islam The first goal came 21 minutes into the contest when Costa Rica defender Valeria del Campo sliced a low cross from Esther Gonzalez into her own net. Bonmati doubled the lead while Gonzalez grabbed the third with a close-range volley. It should have been four soon afterwards but Jennifer Hermoso was denied from the penalty spot by goalkeeper Daniela Solera, who was a critical figure in keeping the scoreline down. Solera made nine saves, including a host of fingertip efforts in the second half, as Spain lost some fluidity. Costa Rica are still searching for a first World Cup win, having failed to advance from the group phase in their lone appearance eight years ago, when their opening match was a 1-1 draw with Spain. The teams share the same group as Japan and Zambia, who meet in Hamilton on Saturday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FIFA Women's World Cup: Spain edge past Costa Rica 3-0 after Alexia Putellas cameo

Lionel Messi&nbsp;was named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022, while Barcelona star Alexia Putellas was named the Best FIFA women's player for 2022 at a ceremony in Paris on Monday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MESSI IS THE WINNER OF THE BEST AWARD ❤️🐐 <a href="https://t.co/4pJhMoVCI6">pic.twitter.com/4pJhMoVCI6</a>
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoMessiMedia/status/1630321844594294784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On top of the world. 💫 
<a href="https://twitter.com/alexiaputellas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexiaputellas</a> has been crowned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheBest</a> FIFA Women’s Player 2022! <a href="https://t.co/Wtcgg8SUmO">pic.twitter.com/Wtcgg8SUmO</a>
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWWC/status/1630319588788379651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

For Messi, it was the second time he won Best FIFA Men's Player after winning it in 2019, while Barcelona and Spain star Alexia Putellas won the award for the second consecutive year.&nbsp;

Messi beat fellow finalists Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. Putellas won the award over Alex Morgan and Beth Mead.&nbsp;

Messi was expected to win the award after leading Argentina to the World Cup win last year in Qatar, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's "Best Player."&nbsp;The 35-year-old and a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner succeeds Robert Lewandowski on the FIFA honour list.&nbsp;

This award&nbsp;recognises a year in which the former Barcelona star crowned his glorious career&nbsp;by scoring twice in an epic final in Doha where&nbsp;Argentina beat France on penalties despite Mbappe netting a hat-trick for Les Bleus in a remarkable 3-3 draw.

While the 29-year-old led Barcelona to a domestic treble in 2021-2022 before tearing her ACL on the eve of Spain's Euro 2022 campaign. She beat England's European Championship-winning striker Beth Mead and US Star Alex Morgan to add the Fifa crown to the Ballon d'Or despite spending the last second half of 2022 in a serious knee injury. Prior to her injury, she had scored 11 goals on Barcelona's run to the Champions League final, which they lost to Lyon.

This honour was initially inaugurated in 2016 by FIFA after football's governing body split from Ballon d'Or organisers France Football.&nbsp;

This award is voted for by national team coaches and captains, journalists and fans.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Lionel Messi was named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022, while Barcelona star Alexia Putellas was named the Best FIFA women's player for 2022 at a ceremony in Paris on Monday.

Lionel Messi was named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022, while Barcelona star Alexia Putellas was named the Best FIFA women's player for 2022 at a ceremony in Paris on Monday. MESSI IS THE WINNER OF THE BEST AWARD ❤️🐐 pic.twitter.com/4pJhMoVCI6 — Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) February 27, 2023 × On top of the world. 💫 @alexiaputellas has been crowned #TheBest FIFA Women’s Player 2022! pic.twitter.com/Wtcgg8SUmO — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) February 27, 2023 × For Messi, it was the second time he won Best FIFA Men's Player after winning it in 2019, while Barcelona and Spain star Alexia Putellas won the award for the second consecutive year. Messi beat fellow finalists Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. Putellas won the award over Alex Morgan and Beth Mead. Messi was expected to win the award after leading Argentina to the World Cup win last year in Qatar, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's "Best Player." The 35-year-old and a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner succeeds Robert Lewandowski on the FIFA honour list. This award recognises a year in which the former Barcelona star crowned his glorious career by scoring twice in an epic final in Doha where Argentina beat France on penalties despite Mbappe netting a hat-trick for Les Bleus in a remarkable 3-3 draw. While the 29-year-old led Barcelona to a domestic treble in 2021-2022 before tearing her ACL on the eve of Spain's Euro 2022 campaign. She beat England's European Championship-winning striker Beth Mead and US Star Alex Morgan to add the Fifa crown to the Ballon d'Or despite spending the last second half of 2022 in a serious knee injury. Prior to her injury, she had scored 11 goals on Barcelona's run to the Champions League final, which they lost to Lyon. This honour was initially inaugurated in 2016 by FIFA after football's governing body split from Ballon d'Or organisers France Football. This award is voted for by national team coaches and captains, journalists and fans. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas win 2022 FIFA 'Best Player' awards

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema finally realised his long-held dream as he lifted his maiden Ballon d'Or trophy in Paris on Monday after being named the best male footballer in the world. Benzema capped off a stunning 2021-22 season as he became the first Frenchman after the legendary Zinedine Zidane to lift the prestigious trophy.

Benzema was always a clear favourite to win Ballon d'Or 2022 after his brilliant campaign for Real Madrid last season. The French striker was instrumental in helping the club win the Champions League and the La Liga titles last season. Benzema scored hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea in the Champions League before scoring three goals across the two legs against Manchester City to help Real Madrid reach the final.

He finished as the top-scorer in the Champions League last season with 15 goals to his name and was unstoppable for the La Liga giants. The French talisman scored 44 goals in 46 games across competitions last season and was the highest scorer in La Liga with 27 goals.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/erling-haaland-was-going-to-sign-for-leeds-liverpool-midfielder-james-milner-makes-stunning-claim-526174">Erling Haaland was going to sign for Leeds: Liverpool midfielder James Milner makes stunning claim</a>

Barcelona women's team star Alexia Putellas clinched her second successive Ballon d'Or title after being named the best female player in the world for the second time in a row. Putellas scored 11 goals in the Women's Champions League last season to help Barcelona reach the final where they lost against Lyon.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, who moved to the Spanish club from Bayern Munich earlier this year, clinched the Gerd Muller Trophy for the best striker of the season. Lewandowski was the top-scorer of the season for the club and country combined with a stunning 50 goals for Bayern across competitions and seven goals for his national&nbsp;team Poland.

Real Madrid's&nbsp;Thibaut Courtois won the&nbsp;Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the season while former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was awarded the inaugural Socrates&nbsp;Award for his charity work in his home country Senegal. Premier League champions Manchester City were named the best club in the world.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/benzema-putellas-win-ballon-dor-awards-for-best-players-in-the-world-526270">Benzema, Putellas win Ballon d'Or awards for best players in the world</a>

Here is the complete list of winners from the Ballon d'Or 2022 awards ceremony:

Men's Ballon d'Or Award

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Women's Ballon d'Or Award

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Kopa Award

Gavi (Barcelona)

Gerd Muller Award

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Yashin Trophy

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Club of the Year Award

Manchester City

Socrates Award

Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema finally realised his long-held dream as he lifted his maiden Ballon d'Or trophy in Paris on Monday after being named the best male footballer in the world.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema finally realised his long-held dream as he lifted his maiden Ballon d'Or trophy in Paris on Monday after being named the best male footballer in the world. Benzema capped off a stunning 2021-22 season as he became the first Frenchman after the legendary Zinedine Zidane to lift the prestigious trophy. Benzema was always a clear favourite to win Ballon d'Or 2022 after his brilliant campaign for Real Madrid last season. The French striker was instrumental in helping the club win the Champions League and the La Liga titles last season. Benzema scored hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea in the Champions League before scoring three goals across the two legs against Manchester City to help Real Madrid reach the final. He finished as the top-scorer in the Champions League last season with 15 goals to his name and was unstoppable for the La Liga giants. The French talisman scored 44 goals in 46 games across competitions last season and was the highest scorer in La Liga with 27 goals. Also Read: Erling Haaland was going to sign for Leeds: Liverpool midfielder James Milner makes stunning claim Barcelona women's team star Alexia Putellas clinched her second successive Ballon d'Or title after being named the best female player in the world for the second time in a row. Putellas scored 11 goals in the Women's Champions League last season to help Barcelona reach the final where they lost against Lyon. Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, who moved to the Spanish club from Bayern Munich earlier this year, clinched the Gerd Muller Trophy for the best striker of the season. Lewandowski was the top-scorer of the season for the club and country combined with a stunning 50 goals for Bayern across competitions and seven goals for his national team Poland. Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois won the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the season while former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was awarded the inaugural Socrates Award for his charity work in his home country Senegal. Premier League champions Manchester City were named the best club in the world. Also Read: Benzema, Putellas win Ballon d'Or awards for best players in the world Here is the complete list of winners from the Ballon d'Or 2022 awards ceremony: Men's Ballon d'Or Award Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) Women's Ballon d'Or Award Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) Kopa Award Gavi (Barcelona) Gerd Muller Award Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) Yashin Trophy Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) Club of the Year Award Manchester City Socrates Award Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema wins Ballon d’Or 2022: Here is complete list of winners from awards ceremony

From Robert Lewandowski to Cristiano Ronaldo: Who won what at The Best FIFA Football awards 2021?

Proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi confirmed his status as the best player in the world once again by clinching a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title on Tuesday. Messi, who left Barcelona on a free transfer to joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this year, has now become the first player to win the prestigious individual honour in three different decades.

Messi was the top scorer in the La Liga with Barcelona, netting 30 goals while also winning the Copa del Rey. He then inspired Argentina to a memorable Copa America triumph. Messi scored five goals and registered four assists in Copa America, playing an instrumental role in Argentina's triumph.&nbsp;

The Argentine legend was pinned against Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea's Jorginho in the final three but emerged on top after beating both. Lewandowski, who has been a goal machine for Bayern Munich, was a clear favourite for the Ballon d'Or last year but the awards were scrapped much to his disappointment. The Polis striker has scored 55 goals and won the Champions League with Bayern last year in what was an incredible season for him.

Lewandowski finished second behind Messi in the Ballon d'Or rankings this year. PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper of 2021 for his heroics in Euro 2021 and for Juventus at the club level. Lewandowski won the Best Striker of the Year award for scoring 41 goals in the Bundesliga last year.

Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or award after a stunning season with her club and country - Spain. Putellas scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in Barcelona's treble-winning season and has already been named UEFA Best Women's Player of the Year. She is the third woman to win the Ballon d'Or after Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe, who won the award in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-beats-robert-lewandowski-to-clinch-record-extending-seventh-ballon-dor-432910">&nbsp;Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or</a>

Chelsea, who won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchlel after staging a remarkable comeback post Frank Lampard's sacking, went on to win the Club of the Year award for having the most number of nominations across categories.

Complete list of winners during the 2021 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony:

Kopa trophy (best player under 21) – Barcelona’s Pedri

Best Striker of the Year award – Lewandoski

Women’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas

Yachine Trophy 2021 – PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma

Men’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – PSG’s Lionel Messi.

Club of the Year award – Chelsea

Proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi confirmed his status as the best player in the world once again by clinching a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title on Tuesday.

Proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi confirmed his status as the best player in the world once again by clinching a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or title on Tuesday. Messi, who left Barcelona on a free transfer to joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this year, has now become the first player to win the prestigious individual honour in three different decades. Messi was the top scorer in the La Liga with Barcelona, netting 30 goals while also winning the Copa del Rey. He then inspired Argentina to a memorable Copa America triumph. Messi scored five goals and registered four assists in Copa America, playing an instrumental role in Argentina's triumph. The Argentine legend was pinned against Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea's Jorginho in the final three but emerged on top after beating both. Lewandowski, who has been a goal machine for Bayern Munich, was a clear favourite for the Ballon d'Or last year but the awards were scrapped much to his disappointment. The Polis striker has scored 55 goals and won the Champions League with Bayern last year in what was an incredible season for him. Lewandowski finished second behind Messi in the Ballon d'Or rankings this year. PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper of 2021 for his heroics in Euro 2021 and for Juventus at the club level. Lewandowski won the Best Striker of the Year award for scoring 41 goals in the Bundesliga last year. Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or award after a stunning season with her club and country - Spain. Putellas scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in Barcelona's treble-winning season and has already been named UEFA Best Women's Player of the Year. She is the third woman to win the Ballon d'Or after Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe, who won the award in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Also Read: Lionel Messi beats Robert Lewandowski to clinch record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or Chelsea, who won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchlel after staging a remarkable comeback post Frank Lampard's sacking, went on to win the Club of the Year award for having the most number of nominations across categories. Complete list of winners during the 2021 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony: Kopa trophy (best player under 21) – Barcelona’s Pedri Best Striker of the Year award – Lewandoski Women’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas Yachine Trophy 2021 – PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma Men’s Ballon d’Or 2021 – PSG’s Lionel Messi. Club of the Year award – Chelsea

From Lionel Messi to Alexia Putellas: Complete list of winners from Ballon d'Or 2021 awards ceremony

From Jorginho to Alexia Putellas: List of UEFA Player of the Year winners

alexia-putellas

Alexia Putellas, News on Alexia Putellas, stories on Alexia Putellas, articles on Alexia Putellas, Alexia Putellas stories at Wion, Alexia Putellas news, Alexia Putellas latest news

alexia putellas