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#2 Kaka
Kaka is the first player on this list to win the Ballon d'Or while competing with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he did so in 2007 with AC Milan. Despite having an underwhelming domestic campaign, AC Milan went on to win the 2006-07 Champions League trophy. Kaka's 10 goals and three assists in the competition made him the stand-out choice to receive the award.
The Brazilian midfielder at his best was a defender's nightmare. Kaka had the ability to take the ball in his stride and carry it from the halfway line to the opposition goal, running past players with ease. To cap it off, he could find the perfect pass between defenders, or a clinical finish past the goalkeeper.
Kaka ended up with 223 goal contributions in 359 starts. He collected two domestic titles, one Champions League, and one FIFA World Cup alongside three UEFA 'Team of the Year' appearances.
#1 Luka Modric
Luka Modric won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, finally breaking the decade-long run of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Modric was given the award for being the maestro of Real Madrid's midfield in their third consecutive Champions League win. He also captained an underdog Croatia team that reached the FIFA World cup final.
The Croatian playmaker does not have many direct goal contributions. Where he does contribute, however, one would argue is more valuable than raw goals and assists.
Modric plays primarily as a deep-lying playmaker. He has mastered the craft of picking the ball up in his own half and effortlessly transitioning play from defense to attack within a blink of an eye. He also pops up everywhere on the field, providing aid to his defenders, and reliable support to his attackers.
Modric was at the heart of Real Madrid and continues to be so. He has won three domestic titles and four Champions League trophies with Los Blancos.
He also became the first player in history to be awarded four major individual awards in one season. These were - World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player of the Year, FIFA Best Men's Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or in the same year.
