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Ballon d'Or ceremonies have been very monotonous for the last decade with either Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo winning the prestigious accolade. They have been running an unchallenged monopoly to claim themselves as the best players in the world. But as much as we hate to realize, there are not many years left in them and we need to look into the next generation of superstars who are going to dominate World football. Let's take a look at players who can take the baton from Ronaldo and Messi:
#1 Neymar
If you ask any football fan about who is the third best football player in the World after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the majority of them will name this player.
During his teenage, he was the most sought footballer with all the top teams willing to sign him. When he came to FC Barcelona, he formed a deadly trio with Messi and Suarez. He is one of the most marketable athletes in the world and enjoys a huge following. In football terms, he is the costliest player in the world which speaks for his quality itself. He left FC Barcelona last season to become the main man at Paris Saint-Germain and challenge for Ballon d'Or.
If he shows a little bit of consistency and lives up to his talents, he may make a serious case for himself on the podium for the best player award.
#2 Eden Hazard
Hazard was one of the best players of FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia where he led his team to a third-place finish. He has been the best player for Chelsea since the last few years. The only hindrance in his way to being crowned as the best player in the world is the lack of trophies at Chelsea as compared to the clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. If Chelsea has a good season and Hazard plays well then we might see him lifting the award soon.
#3 Isco Alarcon
One player who comes to mind when you think about dribbling and close ball control is Isco. He is probably the most skillful player in the Real Madrid squad at the moment. We are all aware of the affection of new Real Madrid boss Lopetegui towards him, thus it can be said that he will get ample opportunities to prove himself this season and he might even be the main man as he was when Lopetegui coached the Spanish National team.
He has been majestic for Los Blancos in the past as well but his contributions were mostly overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo. Since Ronaldo has transferred to Juventus, we might see the rise of Isco to the main picture this year.
#4 Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian had a wonderful season at Liverpool in which he surpassed the record of most number of Premier League goals in a 38 game season netting 32 times for the Merseyside club. He single handedly carried his nation to the FIFA world cup after scoring a tense penalty in the dieing moments of the match. He has given Liverpool faithful a new hope and if he manages to bring the Premier League trophy to Liverpool, we might see him lifting the golden ball for the best player in the world as well.
#5 Kylian Mbappe
It is not an easy feat to be labelled as the best young talents in the world and to be included in the list of best players in the world at the age of 19. At this age, he is one of the most valuable players in the world. He won the award for the best young player at the FIFA World Cup in Russia when his nation became the football World Champions. At Paris Saint-Germain, he has an amazing squad and with a UEFA Champions League winning season, he can increase his chances to achieve some personal glory.
