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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.
Therefore, we take a look at 5 incredible superstars that could hinder the Portuguese from winning the decorated prize this year:
#5. Antoine Griezmann
By virtue of his incredible performances and achievements during the year, Atletico Madrid sharpshooter, Antoine Griezmann has also emerged as one of the strongest candidates to rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or award this term.
The attacker had a great outing last season, bagging a massive 29 goals and 15 assists across all competitions and helping Atletico to claim the UEFA Europa League. He also won the UEFA Super Cup with the Rojiblancos as well as guiding his nation to win the prestigious World Cup trophy in Russia last month.
Having tasted success both at club and international level, Griezmann is without doubts, one of the few players that could hinder Cristiano Ronaldo from winning the Ballon d'Or award this term.
#4. Kylian Mbappe
Paris Saint Germain prodigy, Kylian Mbappe is another Frenchman on the list of superstars who could challenge Cristiano Ronaldo in the race to be named the best footballer in the world this year.
Even though he did impress at the Parc des Princes last term bagging an incredible 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions and helping the Parisians to claim a domestic treble, it was during the World Cup that took place in Russia recently that the attacker actually cemented his place among the Ballon d'Or contenders.
Mbappe was a big revelation throughout the tournament, tormenting opposition defenses with his electrifying pace, spectacular dribbling skills, and amazing goalscoring knack. He helped his nation to win the prestigious World Cup trophy as well as claiming the Silver Ball for his brilliant displays and he could as well repeat such a feat in the Ballon d'Or race this year.
#3. Mohamed Salah
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.
Following a limited World Cup outing amidst injury issues, the attacker has come back to his obvious best this season, scoring twice and assisting another one to give Liverpool a perfect start to the new campaign. With his incredible performances and amazing consistency, the attacker remains a big threat to Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this year.
#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.
Before his success at the international stage, Luka Modric had already helped Real Madrid to win their third consecutive UEFA Champions League title in May and he will definitely compete with Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or award this year.
#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.
Messi has also begun the new season in a spectacular form leading Barcelona to win the Supercopa de Espana recently while also scoring twice in 2 La Liga appearances to secure a perfect start for the Catalan giants. Without doubts, the Argentine remains Ronaldo's greatest rival for the award this year.
