Jorginho believes he has a chance to beat Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Ballon d'Or after Italy triumph

ByCoral Barry

Published 14/07/2021 at 08:04 GMT

Jorginho thinks he is in with a chance of beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d'Or. The midfielder has emerged as a surprise contender after helping Italy win Euro 2020 not long after winning the Champions League with Chelsea. “If it's going on titles, then nobody has won more than I have this season," Jorginho said on his chances.

Jorginho believes he could be in the running to win the Ballon d’Or after winning Euro 2020 with Italy.

The Chelsea star also lifted the Champions League trophy with his club earlier this year and managed to stand out in a superb Italy side that won the European Championships.

Jorginho will be competing with the likes of Lionel Messi, who has just won the Copa America with Argentina, and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or.

World Cup Qualification UEFA

Jorginho deserves Ballon d'Or despite penalty miss - Lippi

13/11/2021 at 14:14

But the 29-year-old said no other player has had a better season than him.

"We all have dreams," Jorginho said when asked of his chances.

"But I'll be honest, it depends on the criteria a decision is made based on. If we're talking about talent then I know I'm not the best in the world.

But if it's going on titles, then nobody has won more than I have this season.

'Italy were patient and just took control - England must learn from that'

"How could I compare myself to Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo? They've completely different characteristics to me. But, I repeat, it depends on the criteria."

Jorginho could have been turning out for Brazil having been born there before moving to Italy.

• Klopp won't rush Van Dijk or Gomez back
• Arteta gives verdict on Arsenal beginning pre-season with defeat

The midfielder was asked if the decision to represent Italy ahead of Brazil was a difficult one after helping his country win Euro 2020.

“I didn't think twice,” Jorginho said.

“After the Under-21s I only played friendlies for Italy, then in November 2017 I was called up for the World Cup playoff against Sweden.

"Then, Brazil wanted me too. Playing for Brazil was my dream since I was a child, but I thought that Italy needed help.

• Paper Round: Barca want Griezmann-Felix swap deal
• Arteta backs Arsenal star Saka

“And when I had needed help, Italy opened their doors to me and embraced me.

“My heart said 'Italy needs you', so I made that decision and I'm very happy that I did.”

'Racial abuse at England players after final disgusting and disgraceful'

Jorginho was one of five Italian players to make it into the team of the tournament.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Leonardo Spinazzola, centre-back pairing Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were all part of the side.

Premier League

'If I don’t vote for me, who will?' - Jorginho quips he would vote for himself for Ballon d'Or

30/10/2021 at 13:02

Ballon d'Or

How Jorginho beating Messi to Ballon d'Or could change football

12/10/2021 at 13:35

Euro 2020

'A weight off my shoulders' - Jorginho reveals what he was thinking before penalty kick

07/07/2021 at 09:14