In a surprising development, it has been reported that France Football is contemplating a revision of a past Ballon d’Or decision.
Since 1956, the French publication has been awarding this coveted accolade annually, with the sole exception occurring in 2020.
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The Ballon d’Or was not awarded in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of the football season.
The pandemic led to the premature conclusion of some football seasons, resulting in the suspension of the award until it was reinstated in 2021, with Lionel Messi emerging as the recipient.
Nonetheless, there was a widespread sentiment that Robert Lewandowski was unjustly deprived of the 2020 title, especially after he finished as the runner-up to Messi the following year.
Lewandowski’s remarkable tally of 47 goals in 44 matches across all competitions for both his club and national team, coupled with his triumphs in the Bundesliga and Champions League, bolstered his case.
When Messi received his award in 2021, he acknowledged that Lewandowski, the ex-Bayern Munich forward, was deserving of the honor.
“Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or,” he said in his speech.
“Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award”.
France Football’s editor-in-chief, Pascal Ferre, even addressed Lionel Messi’s plea and stressed the need to “respect the history of the Ballon d’Or”.
According to a recent article by SPORT, there’s a chance that Robert Lewandowski might retroactively receive the Ballon d’Or award.
Amidst allegations that Paris Saint-Germain exerted influence to secure Messi’s victory in 2021 and concerns over their image, the publication is reportedly considering recognizing Lewandowski’s achievements.
Although Lewandowski was honored as the FIFA Men’s Best Player for 2020, he has expressed his willingness to receive the Ballon d’Or, even if it comes later than anticipated.
In an interview with Sport Bild, he said: “Let’s put it this way: if I received the 2020 Ballon d’Or four years later, I would not feel offended. It would be a great honor and I would accept the award.”
