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Since France Football released its shortlist of nominees for the Ballon d'Or award, our screens have been rife with predictions as to who could win this year's prestigious accolade. Will someone finally break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly this time around? Will Messi or Ronaldo grab a record sixth Ballon d'Or?
The list of nominees consists a handful of top players including the likes of Sergio Aguero, Alisson Becker, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Edinson Cavani, Thibaut Courtois, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, Roberto Firmino, Diego Godin, Antoine Griezmann, Eden Hazard, Isco, Harry Kane, N’Golo Kante, Hugo Lloris, Mario Mandzukic, Sadio Mane, Marcelo, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Neymar, Jan Oblak, Paul Pogba, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Ramos, Mohamed Salah, Luis Suarez, and Raphael Varane.
Here, we take a look at this year's award contenders handpicked by four former Ballon d'Or winners:
#1 Kaka
Kaka has recently named two players who he thinks will likely take this year's Ballon d'Or award home.
The 2007 Ballon d'Or recipient has snubbed five-time award winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in favour of FIFA Men's Player of the Year Luka Modric and France's World Cup star Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport about who would win the award, the Brazilian legend said, "Modric has had some impressive results, winning the Champions League and being able to play the World Cup final. He is the man who creates the show and commands the game."
He added, "Mbappé is very strong and has a whole career ahead of him. Let the future be yours."
#2 Ronaldinho
The Brazilian legend's pick for the Ballon d'Or is strange.
Ronaldinho, who won the 2006 award after he claiming the Champions League title with Barcelona, believes that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could win the accolade, but on one condition.
Speaking to Canal Football Club, the former Barcelona man said, "He [Pogba] can win the Ballon d'Or, without a doubt."
"He is young, talented and he has the ability to play anywhere, he can play in a free role, defensive, as a runner or attacking."
"He has the characteristics of a player who can fill any position, he can make history."
However, Ronaldinho added that in order to achieve the feat, Pogba needs to be more mindful of Mourinho's advice.
"He knows the substitutes' bench, like me at Paris Saint-Germain with [former coach Luis] Fernandez. It is not the same, when Mourinho tells you that you're on the bench you have to respect that, the other guy, a little less."
"I think Paul really has a lot to learn from Mourinho, who is one of the best coaches in the world. A coach who has won so many titles should be respected. In my case, it was the opposite."
#3 Michael Owen
Former Liverpool man Michael Owen had given his verdict on who will win the 2018 Ballon d'Or award early in the year.
Owen's win in 2001 marked the last time an Englishman won the award. The accolade soon saw a Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, with Kaka being the only player to break it in 2007.
Speaking of the duo to Marca, Owen said, “I believe that Ronaldo and Messi have changed football.”
“I could have won the Ballon d'Or maybe when Ronaldo was starting at Manchester United or Messi at Barcelona, but when they reached their highest level it would have been impossible."
When asked earlier in the year who would win this year's award, Owen had said, "I think a lot will depend on who wins the Champions League. If Real Madrid wins, then Cristiano Ronaldo will be there once more."
“If Liverpool does it, Salah would be favourite. He has been absolutely brilliant this year, and has done very well in the Egypt team, taking them to the World Cup."
Madrid went on to lift the crown, beating Liverpool in the final, making Ronaldo the clear favourite in Owen's eyes.
#4 Andriy Shevchenko
Former Chelsea man Andriy Shevchenko, who won the 2004 Ballon d'Or award, recently picked his favourite for the accolade.
Shevchenko stayed close to home in his decision, picking an in-form Eden Hazard to win the award.
Hazard has been in phenomenal form under new boss Maurizio Sarri, scoring eight goals in ten appearances for the London outfit so far.
Speaking to Goal, the former Milan striker Shevchenko said, "Why do attackers always get individual awards? Because they are responsible for finishing attacks."
"People like to see goals scored. Hazard is a phenomenal, fantastic player, but he wasn’t getting those 20-25 goals per season."
Shevchenko added, "This season he already has eight, so he’s on the road to that number. He has every chance of winning the Ballon d’Or."
