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#3 Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was eager to get Neymar on his books at the start of his second spell. However, that move failed to materialize and the Brazilian went to Barcelona instead. In search of the “new Neymar,” Perez instructed his scouts to get the top, young talents from Brazil.
Signed in 2018, Vinicius Jr. is the first youngster to cross the initial hurdles and become a regular attendee of Real Madrid’s playing XI. He is a natural left-winger, has an elaborate bag of tricks, and can single-handedly decide the outcome of a match.
His finishing was his weakest trait so far, but the Brazilian seems to have slain his demons this season under Carlo Ancelotti.
The 21-year-old has nine goals and seven assists to his name in 16 appearances this season, and he is only getting started. Keeping this up will not only make him Real Madrid’s undisputed talisman but also establish him as a Ballon d’Or contender in the future.
#2 Neymar
When Barcelona brought Neymar ahead of the 2013-14 season, the Brazilian was a raw talent beaming with potential. Gradually, Barcelona managed to turn him into a world-class player, who could single-handedly influence a match. Neymar’s insane performances led him to the Ballon d’Or podium in 2015, where he finished third behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neymar eventually stepped out of Barcelona to become the undisputed frontman of Paris Saint-Germain. He did help them to three Ligue 1 titles but the Champions League, which is PSG’s prime target, has remained elusive.
An elaborate list of injuries has kept Neymar from fulfilling his potential and winning the Ballon d’Or. However, if he can keep himself fit for a season, we expect him to find himself back at the prestigious Ballon d’Or gala.
#1 Lionel Messi
2021 Copa America winner Lionel Messi is currently the favorite to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or in two weeks’ time. The Argentinian was his country’s best player in the summer as they bagged their first international trophy since the 1986 World Cup. The captain was exceptional in a floating role and made full use of his vision and passing range.
Messi, who already has six Ballons d’Or to his name, also enjoyed an impressive campaign in Barcelona’s colors last season. The Blaugrana were a bit disappointing in La Liga and the Champions League, but Messi’s performances were sublime as usual.
In 47 appearances across all competitions, Messi scored 34 goals and provided 14 assists, winning the Pichichi Trophy for becoming La Liga 20-21’s top scorer.
Messi, who seems destined to win his seventh Ballon d’Or, is expected to dazzle Europe for a couple more seasons. The PSG man is currently focused on winning his club’s first-ever Champions League title.
A successful campaign could make him a favorite for the next Ballon d’Or as well.
