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It is true that football has witnessed a lot of intense rivalries between famous superstars in the past, but none of them compares with the one that exists between Lionel and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Filled with incredible talents and great ambitions, these superstars have exerted their superiority on top of the football world for the past few years - breaking records after records and sharing the last 10 Ballon d'Or awards between each other (5 apiece).
Besides, they have also won almost all the major trophies on the planet, prompting many to recognize them as two of the greatest footballers in history. The duo have dominated the sport so much that it has become the dream of every top player to challenge them season after season.
Fortunately, recent developments suggest that this term represents an ultimate opportunity for another superstar to overtake them. The World Cup has played its part in bridging the gap between the duo and their counterparts - and this season could actually witness the end of their dominance - with other players also raising their games and emerging ready to dominate the football world.
Therefore, we take a look at 5 amazing superstars who could eclipse the two legends during the campaign:
#5. Antoine Griezmann
French International, Antoine Griezmann is one of the few superstars that could eclipse Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo this season. The attacker has been one of the stand-out performers in Europe for the past few years, evidently sharing the Ballon d'Or podium with the duo in 2016.
Griezmann is a highly talented player with immense skills, great attitude and a pretty record in front of goal. A big-game player too, the Frenchman is currently at his peak and he will be ready to compete at the top of the football world this season.
Having won both the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup with Atletico Madrid as well as leading his nation to claim the prestigious FIFA World Cup trophy in Russia during the calendar year, the attacker is full of confidence at the moment and he could go as far as overtaking Messi and Ronaldo during the campaign.
#4. Kylian Mbappe
There are not many youngsters in the world at the moment that can boast to be on the same level as Paris Saint Germain superstar, Kylian Mbappe. We have always known the attacker to be a great player, but not until the World Cup before we realized how influential he could be.
Mbappe ran riot during the tournament in Russia, taking opposition defences by storm - with his incredible pace, spectacular dribbling, and impressive goalscoring knack. He bagged a spectacular 4 goals, claiming the Silver Ball award for his amazing performances in the competition.
The 19-year-old has also begun the new season in great form, scoring thrice in 2 appearances as Paris Saint Germain rode off to a brilliant start in the Ligue 1. With his incredible form and amazing talent, no one can predict what he could achieve during the campaign.
#3. Neymar Junior
Brazilian superstar, Neymar Junior has always been viewed as the heir to take over from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo whenever the duo step aside in the future. However, that could happen as early as this season, with the attacker looking threatening than ever to exert his dominance on top of the football world.
A pacy winger with amazing technical skills, Neymar has been a shining star throughout his career. Such is his incredible talent that Paris Saint Germain did not hesitate to splash up to £200 million to acquire him from Barcelona during the summer of 2017.
Following a rather disappointing World Cup outing with his nation in Russia, the Brazilian has started the new campaign in a spectacular form, scoring a fantastic 3 goals in 3 appearances and he also has a big chance to eclipse Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during the campaign.
#2. Luka Modric
Real Madrid superstar, Luka Modric has pulled himself very close to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's level, with his unbelievable performances during the World Cup that took place in Russia this year.
Carrying the burden of a nation on his shoulder, the playmaker impressed in Russia - producing a lot of scintillating performances that helped Croatia to make it to the final of the competition for the first time in their history - as well as winning the prestigious Golden Ball award for his brilliant displays.
With Cristiano Ronaldo now gone, the Croatian has the opportunity to become the main superstar at Real Madrid. If he continues with such incredible form this season, he could end up eclipsing two of the greatest players in the history of the game.
#1. Mohamed Salah
It wouldn't be a surprise if Liverpool winger, Mohamed Salah ends up overtaking Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on top of the football world this season. The Egyptian had given them a scare last term, bagging an incredible 43 goals and 16 assists in all competitions and practically playing at the same level as the duo throughout the campaign.
Salah is an explosive winger with a small stature that allows him to manoeuvre his way through multiple opponents. He has proved to be a nightmare to opposition defenders, with his ability to penetrate even the most complex defences - creating clear-cut chances for his teammates and scoring spectacular goals.
After seeing his impacts limited in the World Cup due to injuries, the attacker has now come back to prove himself once again. As a matter of fact, the Egyptian has started the campaign on a brilliant note, scoring twice and providing 2 assists in 3 matches to keep Liverpool on top of the Premier League table.
