The race to win the Ballon d’Or award this year is getting hotter every day, with many top superstars raising their games and fighting intensely for the chance to be named the best player in the world.
New Juventus signing, Cristiano Ronaldo is considered by many as the favorite to win the prestigious accolade this term. After leading Real Madrid to claim their third consecutive UEFA Champions League trophy during the previous campaign, there is no doubt the Portuguese stands a great chance of claiming the coveted prize once again.
However, the attacker should be ready for a great competition this year, with other incredible superstars also emerging as strong candidates to win the award. As a matter of fact, the recently-concluded World Cup tournament and the newly begun campaign has thrown the Ballon d’Or race open to a certain extent.
A highly talented player with immense technical skills, incredible pace, and amazing goalscoring ability, Liverpool winger, Mohamed Salah remains one of the few superstars that will put up a great fight for the Ballon d’Or award this year. The Egyptian International has already secured his status as one of the top performers in Europe with his scintillating performances during the previous campaign – bagging a whopping 43 goals and 16 assists across all competitions and helping The Reds to make it to the final of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over 10 years.
2. Luka Modric
There were many players who seized the FIFA World Cup as a decent opportunity to increase their chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year and Real Madrid superstar, Luka Modric is definitely at the forefront.
Carrying an immense responsibility of leading an under-dog nation on the grandest stage of all, the playmaker impressed with the role in Russia – producing extraordinary performances and leading Croatia to their first ever World Cup final.
1. Lionel Messi
Once again, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi will fight Cristiano Ronaldo for the status of the best player in the world this year. The duo shared the last 10 editions of the Ballon d’Or between each other (5 apiece) and their intense rivalry is set to continue with the race for the award getting hotter every day. The Argentine had a decent campaign last season, bagging an incredible 44 goals and 18 assists in all competitions as well as helping La Blaugrana to clinch both the La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey trophy during the campaign.