The full 2021 Ballon d'Or standings have been revealed, with Lionel Messi winning the prize for the seventh time but only by 33 points.
Messi, who won the Copa Del Rey with Barcelona and captained Argentina to a first international trophy since 1993, was presented the award by former teammate and close friend Luis Suarez at a ceremony in Paris.The 34-year-old also won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019 - and the Eiffel Tower was lit up in celebration of his victory in the French capital on Monday evening.
Messi had been the favourite going into the event and finished up with 613 points. But Robert Lewandowski, who had another sensational year after last year's award was nixed due to COVID-19, wasn't all that far behind.
The Bayern Munich hitman came in second place after accruing 580 points and earned praise from Messi in his acceptance speech.
Jorginho was also a primary contender after winning the Champions League and Euro 2020 with Chelsea and Italy respectively.
He secured a top three finish on 460 points, ahead of Karim Benzema (239 points) and his club teammate N'Golo Kante (186 points) - who occupied fourth and fifth spot.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo had to make do with sixth position and 178 pts, 57 points better than Liverpool's Mo Salah.
Kylian Mbappe made the top ten for the fourth time but was absolutely fuming after learning he had finished in ninth.
The Frenchman's reaction was captured on camera and he was not happy one bit.The 22-year-old scored 58 points overall.
Here are the complete rankings and points:
1. Lionel Messi (Argentine, FC Barcelone, Paris-SG), 613 points.
2. Robert Lewandowski (Pologne, Bayern Munich), 580 pts.
3. Jorginho (Italie, Chelsea), 460 pts.
4. Karim Benzema (France, Real Madrid), 239 pts.
5. N'Golo Kanté (France, Chelsea), 186 pts.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Juventus Turin, Man United, 178 pts.
7. Mohamed Salah (Égypte, Liverpool), 121 pts.
8. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgique, Manchester City), 73 pts.
9. Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris-SG), 58 pts.
10. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italie, AC Milan, Paris-SG), 36 pts.
11. Erling Haaland (Norvège, Borussia Dortmund), 33 pts.
12. Romelu Lukaku (Belgique, Inter Milan, Chelsea), 26 pts.
13. Giorgio Chiellini (Italie, Juventus Turin), 26 pts.
14. Leonardo Bonucci (Italie, Juventus Turin), 18 pts.
15. Raheem Sterling (Angleterre, Man City), 10 pts.