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#3 Luka Modric (Real Madrid/Croatia) — 36 years and 1 month
The history book has got this Croatian captain's name etched on golden pages. Luka Modric is the man who broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or award. He has once again made it into the penultimate list of best players at the moment.
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The Real Madrid number 10's story is no less than a fairytale. He was voted the worst signing in 2012. From there, to lead his nation to their first-ever FIFA World Cup final and then win the Ballon d'Or, it all seems like a dream.
He is rightly lauded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Modric helped keep Real Madrid together when it seemed they would break apart due to Cristiano and Zidane's departure.
Other than being selected as the best Real Madrid player for the 2020-21 season, Modric had a below-par season. However, his impeccable skillset has earned him enough votes to make it onto the Ballon d'Or 30-men shortlist.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Manchester United/Portugal) — 36 years and 8 months
Nobody fits the idiom 'aging like a fine wine' as much as Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese captain is the epitome of fitness, talent and dedication that grows with his age. A superstar on and off the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be on top of his form and the game.
Since 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo has never failed (except for 2010) to take a spot on the Ballon d'Or top three podium. He has won the prestigious trophy a total of five times, second only to his life-long rival Lionel Messi. Cristiano has also ended up in second spot on six occasions.
Holding on to the ability to single-handedly change the course of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo was never not a favorite to win the Ballon d'Or. Even though the former Real Madrid poacher has won it five times, his fanatics believe he was robbed off the award on an occasion or two.
The world awaits to see if the Manchester United man can match his counterpart and win the sixth Ballon d'Or before hanging his boots.
#1 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus/Italy) — 37 years and 2 months
Leading Italy throughout their glorious campaign, Chiellini lifted the Euro 2020 trophy on his country's behalf. The 37-year-old veteran led from the front at the same time, guarded his team from behind.
Chiellini is considered one of the best defenders of all time and has been constantly involved in Juventus' Serie A domination. He is a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch. Chiellini is one of the few players who earns an equal amount of admiration from teammates and rivals.
He is one of the best centre-backs to have made it onto the list. If it wasn't for goal scoring exploits, Chiellini would have surely made it into the Ballon d'Or top-three list.
