The Ballon d'Or is back for 2021 and the best footballer in the world will be crowned once more in what is expected to be an unforgettable event.

The annual football event was forced to take a one-year hiatus in 2020 following the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant that the Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi kept hold of his crown for an extra 12 months.

The easing of restrictions all over the world means that the event can return to normal this year with the 2021 Ballon d'Or being held at it's traditional venue of the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France.

With the shortlist already out, millions of football fans around the world will be wondering if Messi can pick up this award for a record seventh time during his career, or will we see a new winner crowned entirely?

That being said, those concerned will be frantically circling the date in their calendars and will be watching in anticipation as the awards will be handed out across the evening.

Read more: Ballon d'Or 2021: Date, UK Time, Odds, Nominees And Everything You Need To Know