Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho was named UEFA men’s Player of the Year for 2020-21 on Thursday. The winners include Edouard Mendy (Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year), N’Golo Kanté (Men’s Midfielder of the Year), Jorginho (Men’s Player of Year), and Thomas Tuchel (Men’s Coach of the Year).
Jorginho wins UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award
Jorginho had an unforgettable 2021-season. He scored seven goals in the Premier League including the game-changing goal in the final against Manchester City. The 29-year-old had a great run in the Euro 2020 and was one of the vital players in Italy’s winning campaign.
Jorginho was up against his teammate Kante and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. The star midfielder won two major trophies within a two-month span and that puts him ahead of De Bruyne. UEFA said Jorginho had won 175 points in the voting by coaches and journalists, to De Bruyne’s 167 and Kante’s 160. Argentine Lionel Messi, a six times Ballon d’Or winner, was fourth with 148.
“I have no words to describe this moment. It’s unreal for me because I have worked so hard to get here. It feels amazing and none of this would have happened without the help of everyone who contributed along the way. All of my teammates, for both Chelsea and the national team, my managers, kit men, physios, medical staff. And just everyone that works in the building.” Jorginho said about winning the award.
Chelsea dominated the UEFA awards – Coach Thomas Tuchel and teammates Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante won awards
Chelsea’s Thomas Tuechel was voted men’s coach of the year ahead of Euro 2020 winning Italian coach Roberto Mancini. Barcelona’s Lluis Cortes won the UEFA women’s coach of the year award. Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas won the UEFA Women’s player of the year award. Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and Irene Paredes of PSG were named the Defenders of the Year. Kante and Putellas won the Midfielder of the Year award. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland who scored ten goals in the 2020-21 Champions League, won the UEFA Men’s forward of the year award, while Barcelona’s Hermoso won the Women’s award.
Full list of UEFA awards
Men’s Awards
Player of the year – Jorginho (Chelsea)
Coach of the year – Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea)
Goalkeeper of the year – Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Defender of the year – Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Midfielder of the year – N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Forward of the year – Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
President’s award – Denmark captain Simon Kjaer and medical team
Women’s Awards
Player of the year – Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Coach of the year – Lluis Cortes (Barcelona)
Goalkeeper of the year – Sandra Panos (Barcelona)
Defender of the year – Irene Paredes (Barcelona)
Midfielder of the year – Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Forward of the year – Jennifer Hermoso (Barcelona)
