This time last year, if you had said two Chelsea midfielders would be battling it out for the Ballon d’Or, most people would think you were mad.

But football works in mysterious ways and by December at least one Blues star is set to be on the podium for football’s biggest individual accolade.

Two Ballon d’Or contenders are vying out for glory in the UEFA Nations League this week

Jorginho has been brilliant in 2021, orchestrating Italy to a glorious triumph at Euro 2020 as well as winning the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

Just last year, the 29-year-old’s career was going in another trajectory as he found himself frozen out by Frank Lampard before he was sacked in January.

His Chelsea teammate N’Golo Kante has also been tipped as a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or winner due to his imperious displays in the Champions League, where he won the man-of-the-match award in the quarter-finals, semi-final, and final against Man City.

Make no mistake, both Jorginho and Kante may not win the top individual prize as Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski have also been phenomenal throughout the year.
 

Jorginho was superb as Italy went all the way in Euro 2020

However, the two Blues midfielders could tip it in their favour over the international break as they both look to emerge victorious in the UEFA Nations League.

Jorginho’s Italy takes on Spain in one semi-final on Wednesday while Kane’s France faces Belgium on Thursday, meaning the pair could meet in the final.

If one of their countries wins it would be hard to suggest they are not the favourites for the Golden Ball.

If Italy wins it, Jorginho would have won all four European tournaments he has played in, with Chelsea also winning the UEFA Super Cup before the season began.
 

If Kante prevails he would have won three, but he has already won the World Cup and his Champions League displays may well tip it in his favour.

You can look at the odds for the next Ballon d’Or winner below, courtesy of Betfair.
 

Ballon d'Or Winner 2021 - who's in contention?

*Odds courtesy of Betfair

Lionel Messi: 4/11

Robert Lewandowski: 5/1

Jorginho: 13/2

N’Golo Kante: 8/1

Cristiano Ronaldo: 14/1

Kylian Mbappe: 16/1

Kevin De Bruyne: 16/1

Harry Kane: 20/1

Lorenzo Insigne: 25/1

Erling Haaland: 33/1

Romelu Lukaku: 33/1

Raheem Sterling: 40/1

No player has won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi (6)

Lewandowski and Messi, however, have been simply sublime and it is quite remarkable the Pole hasn’t achieved the individual accolade.

This year he beat Gerd Muller’s stunning Bundesliga record by hitting his 41st goal at the last minute of the season, which should give him some sway when it comes to the vote.

Messi, meanwhile, despite not hitting the ground running with PSG since his shock summer move, has still had an incredible year, hitting 37 goals and adding 14 assists in 45 appearances for club and country.

Whatever happens this week, the winner of the Ballon d’Or is by no means a sure thing.

It looks to be the most tightly-fought race in years.

Source: Talk Sport