Ballon d'Or 2018: Ranking the top 5 contenders based on their performances during the year

# 3. Luka Modric

Modric has had his most impressive year yet as a footballer

From a war-stricken refugee to a European football icon and eventually a FIFA Player Of The Year award winner, Luka Modric has climbed very high on the ladder of immortality this year and his inclusion on the list doesn't need much explanation.

The midfielder played influential roles to help Real Madrid conquer Europe once more during the previous campaign, dictating play from the middle of the pitch, elevating the level of his teammates as well as acting as the go-to-guy in Real Madrid's midfield.

The Croatian was also without doubts, the best player during the FIFA World Cup in Russia, carrying the burden of guiding an underdog nation on the prestigious stage and impressing with the role so much that he led his country into the final of the competition for the first time in their history as well as claiming the prestigious FIFA Golden Ball for his electrifying efforts in the tournament.