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Ballon d'Or is the pinnacle of individual recognition for a football player. For the past decade, a two-horse race has prevailed between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the coveted prize. With over 1200 goals scored and a plethora of titles accumulated between the duo, their supremacy in world-wide football is undistinguished.
With Messi and Ronaldo approaching the final years of their illustrious career, future superstars look forward to bearing the flag after an unprecedented era of dominance and competition between the two generational talents.
Luka Modric ended the superstar duo's seemingly perennial streak this year, after earning a World Cup runners-up medal and winning his fourth Champions League trophy. The Croatian midfielder also captured the FIFA Player of the Year, earlier merged with the France Football's Ballon d'Or.
Several emerging talents are making a name for themselves at the highest level, and it's just a matter of time until their ascend to the summit is rewarded with the eminent recognition. With the majority of discussion on the future generations, let us glance through some of the prodigies heading towards greatness.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe Lottin is the frontrunner to succeed the prolific pair of Messi and Ronaldo. The French sensation is already a World Champion and three-time Ligue 1 winner. He is the second teenager (19 at that time) after Pele to score in a World Cup final.
Mbappe racked up 13 goals in the Champions League before turning 20, the highest tally for a teenager. Paris Saint-Germain paid €180 million to AS Monaco for Kylian's signature, making him the second-most expensive player in the history.
The PSG striker is blessed with searing pace and possesses predatory instincts inside the penalty area. The 20-year-old's tidy dribbling combined with speed and goal-threat makes him a force to reckon with for the opposition.
Mbappe has scored over 35 goals this season for Paris, and the maturity in his game at such an early stage of his career only propels him in the right direction. The expeditious striker has the potential to influence games single-handedly, as he did for France against Argentina in the World Cup. Mbappe's blistering counter-attack compelled Argentina to commit foul in their own box, giving away a penalty-kick to France.
The French striker is a world-class operator for his club and country at an age where other players either hone their skills at youth-level football or gain loan experience. The Frenchman holder will surely achieve greater heights in his long and memorable career.
#2 Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho is having a breakthrough season for Borussia Dortmund. His count of 14 assists is the second highest in Europe's top five leagues, tied with Ryan Fraser. Sancho has helped his Dortmund side to the second position in the Bundesliga.
The 19-year-old left Pep Guardiola's star-studded Manchester City side to pursue regular playing time. Jadon's decision to travel abroad for his development has worked wonders for him, and is considered one of Europe's brightest young prospects.
The English teenager owns immaculate close control and silky dribbling skills. Sancho's technique, direct style of play, and penetration from one-on-one are the essential elements of free-scoring Borussia Dortmund attack this season.
Dortmund have provided Sancho with a stable platform to kick-start his career. The England international has attracted interest from renowned clubs around the world namely Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and others.
The possibility that Jadon Sancho's career will tail away after such a promising start is hard to imagine. There are few weak areas to be addressed by the Dortmund winger, which are evident in the initial stages of the professional career. But, his future looks very bright.
#3 Matthijs De Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is the name on the lips of every football follower these days. The central defender is the youngest player to captain a side in the Champions League semi-final. He also led his team's defense to a Europa League final at 17 years or age.
De Ligt's concrete performances for AFC Ajax at their heart of defence has attracted European powerhouses for his services. The Dutch player shows the maturity of a veteran defender, organising the shape of his team and showcasing calmness in his defensive duties.
The fundamental of a young footballer's schooling is to abide by the basics of their role and implement them well. Matthijs is the epitome of that education as he occupies perfect positions in the back-line and reads the game aptly to provide crucial shot-blockages and pass interceptions.
The Ballon d'Or jury focuses on the contributions made by the attacking players and seldom shortlists a defender for the award. But, De Ligt's compatriot, Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool, won the PFA Player of the Year 2019. The Ajax captain lifted the Golden Boy award in 2018 due to his immense potential.
Recent trend change might allow Matthijs De Ligt to be in the contention of the Ballon d'Or. He is the prime candidate from his department to obtain the prestigious recognition since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
