5 players who might end Ronaldo-Messi's domination on the Ballon d'Or

Along with all the thrills and chills in world football, comes, the debate over Ballon d'Or favourites. We may argue that football is a team sport, but, when it comes to individual honours, Ballon d'Or is the biggest award a football player can achieve in his career.

While many top players thrive to win the Golden Ball, there are two players who have made it a cakewalk to win the ultimate individual honour. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have shared a total of 10 Ballon d'Ors over the past decade. Currently, both these extraterrestrials have five Ballon d'Ors to their names. Will it be anyone amongst these two to take the lead over the other once again or there will be a different player to finally shut Messi-Ronaldo domination over the award?

Let's take a look at 5 players who might end the Ronaldo-Messi era:

#5 Harry Kane

Harry Kane starred in the match against Huddersfield Town

The World Cup golden boot winner, Harry Kane, would have started the season with the hopes of winning the EPL golden boot once again and finally found the net in the cursed month of August, this season. But, since then, he has been a bit sloppy in goalscoring sector of the game which might be the biggest reasons for Tottenham's poor form this season.

The Tottenham Hotspur's centre-forward has scored 5 goals and has an assist to his name in 8 appearances this season.

We've seen him scoring tons of goals in the EPL. However, Tottenham has not won any silverware recently. If Kane inspires Spurs to win a title, preferably, the EPL or the UCL, Kane would surely win the Ballon d'Or next season.

If England would have won the FIFA World Cup, Harry Kane would have been amongst the top contenders to lift the Ballon d'Or. But, as of now, he would aim to rank high up in the list of favourites. He might be getting on track as he scored a brace against Huddersfield and would be looking to score more. It looks almost impossible for him to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but, next year might be his year.

#4 Mohamed Salah

Since joining Liverpool, Salah has been in a prolific form

Mohamed Salah was amongst the top three favourites to win the Ballon d'Or when the 2017-18 season was approaching towards its end. However, the controversial tackle on him by the Real Madrid skipper, Sergio Ramos, changed everything.

Along with the UCL final, Salah's injury also affected his World Cup journey, however, he still managed to score 2 goals in the World Cup.

Now, life's finally getting on the normal track for Salah as he has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in Liverpool's unbeatable start to the EPL 2018-19.

However, September hasn't been a good month for him in front of the goal as he failed to impress with his goalscoring abilities. But, Mohamed Salah has already won an individual honour beating Bale and Ronaldo for the Puskas award. The Egyptian forward would like to continue scoring goals for the reds and finally help them end their trophy drought. Salah, Firminho, Mane has been one of the most lethal trios of this season until now.

If not this year, Salah would surely win the Ballon d'Or next year if Liverpool manages to clinch a big title.

#3 Neymar Jr

Neymar Jr is considered the third best player in the world after Ronaldo and Messi.

The 26-year-old Brazilian forward moved away from FC Barcelona in search of new challenges and with a hope to win the Ballon d'Or. However, he only managed to be on the third spot after Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar was heavily being linked with Real Madrid, however, he stayed in the French capital and has started well in the Ligue 1. The Brazilian has scored 7 league goals and provided 2 assists in just 7 appearances for the French giants.

Neymar has to continue his brilliant form in order to finish in the top 3 of the Ballon d'Or 2018. His chances for being chosen as the winner might be thin, but a top 3 spot would satisfy him, at least.

PSG is looking dangerous this season as well. If they perform well in the UCL, Neymar would have a shot at the Ballon d'Or or it seems like he would try to make a move for the Spanish capital next summer.

#2 Kylian Mbappe

The best young player at the FIFA World Cup 2018.

The 19-year-old French prodigy has the world under his feet. The Paris Saint Germain striker has been in prolific form ever since he announced himself to the world playing for AS Monaco.

The centre-forward was the best player in France's world cup winning squad and was also chosen as the best young player of the tournament.

Kylian Mbappe has been carrying his splendid form from the past two seasons and has started off very well this season as well, alongside Neymar Jr and Edinson Cavani.

He has scored five goals and provided three assists this season in just five appearances for the French giants. However, he was caught up in an ungraceful act on the pitch and also received a red card for his actions which might shade a cloud over his hopes to win the Ballon d'Or. Otherwise, Mbappe has been a prolific player for both his club and country. If he carries his form in the upcoming months, he'd surely win the Ballon d'Or 2018.

#1 Luka Modric

The Best FIFA Football Awards - Luka Modric

From being voted as the worst transfer of 2012 to becoming a Real Madrid legend and helping them win four UEFA Champions League title in just five years, Luka Modric has turned everything upside down.

Some might argue over the performance factor, but, if goalscoring isn't everything, then surely, Luka Modric seems like the most deserving player to win the Ballon d'Or this year. The central midfielder has been the engine of Real Madrid's attack from six long years.

The 33-year-old Croatian International led his country to their first ever FIFA World Cup final and has been playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success lately. He has already won the UEFA Men's Player of the year award as well as FIFA's best player of the year award.

If he carries on playing like this for the upcoming 3 months, it looks highly likely that the Croatian would end the Messi-Ronaldo domination over the Ballon d'Or. As of now, the competition looks strong between Ronaldo and Modric.