How the final 3-man shortlist for Ballon d'Or could look like

#2 Raphael Varane

France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final

Although the 25-year-old Raphael Varane might get overshadowed by Sergio Ramos as the key centre-back at Santiago Bernebau, he has been one of the best defenders in the world over the last year.

The Lens youth product has been rock-solid at the back, whether playing for Los Blancos or representing France.

The Frenchman had a wonderful year with Real Madrid and France national team. He won the Champions League for the third consecutive time with Real Madrid and earned the greatest honour with Les Bleus by helping France win the World Cup in 2018.

Why do we think Varane makes a compelling case for a shot at the Ballon d'Or? Well, the last time a defender won the award was back in 2006 when Italy's Fabio Cannavaro claimed the trophy after a successful season with Juventus and most importantly after leading Italy to their fourth World Cup glory.

So, Varane who has won two of the world's biggest competitive tournaments in 2018 and scored a goal in the World Cup Quarter-Final, cannot be ruled out of the race for the Ballon d'Or and is a sure top 3 contender.

One of the French legends and a three-time Ballon d'Or winner himself, Michel Platini has vouched for the young defender to win the Golden Ball this year.

"There's always the Ronaldo-Messi debate, but this year there's only one player who has won a European Cup and the World Cup, it's Varane." He told RMC.

"Let's not forget that in 2006 it was a defender, Fabio Cannavaro, who won the Ballon d'Or." He said referring to the last time a defender won the award.