Football's greatest individual prize was last won by a defender all the way back in 2006, when Italian maestro Fabio Cannavaro had the honour bestowed upon him, beating off competition from fellow countryman Gianluigi Buffon and Thierry Henry.
Since then, the prize has largely been passed back and forth between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. With both superstars falling short of their usual high standards this season, it seems as though the award could be heading to a fresh face. Here we make the case for the goalkeepers and defenders who have outshone their attacking counterparts in 2021.
Take Your Pick from Italian Stalwarts
It speaks volumes about just how good the Italian national team's backline is that no fewer than four of their number have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2021. They, of course, frustrated and outmuscled everyone at Euro 2020 to confound the bookmakers and online betting tipsters to run out as easy winners of the competition, and their players have also been upsetting the odds in Serie A to boot. Nicolò Barella is one of the hottest full-backs in world football, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini form the deadliest centre-back partnership in world football, and Gianluigi Donnarumma has proven he has safe hands when under the utmost pressure. The only thing that could count against these men is their patchy club form, although sports free bets are still wagered on them on a weekly basis to keep clean sheets at their respective clubs. Few will be betting against one of their number claiming the coveted Ballon d'Or in 2021.
