Top 3 predictions for the Ballon d'Or 2018

A footballer might win numerous collective titles in his career, but will always desire for the greatest ever individual title, the Ballon d’Or. Recent history shows that the player with exceptional individual performances throughout the year, coupled with the club’s success in domestic/European competitions ranks amongst the top candidates to win the award.

While winning the award once is quite a big achievement, there are two aliens who have done it over and over in the past ten seasons. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have shared a total number of ten Ballon d’Ors between them from 2008.

The Portuguese and the Argentine have settled with five Ballon d’Ors each till date. However, Ronaldo has an edge over Messi this season, as he’d be hoping to lift his record sixth Ballon d’Or.

The FIFA World Cup year always marks a major impact on the Ballon d’Or favourites, and has done just that this year as well. Mohamed Salah’s form in the past season, coupled with Kylian Mbappe’s exceptional year with both his club and national side has made them rank above the veteran Lionel Messi.

However, Salah’s downfall this season might cause him to drop down in the final list as Messi would try to clinch the fourth or the third spot in the coming months.

Lets have a look at the expected top 3 finalists for the award.

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#3 Kylian Mbappe

The 19-year-old has the world under his feet at the moment

The 19-year-old Frenchman has surprised the world with his elite performances on the biggest stages, and his jaw dropping abilities in the last couple of years.

The PSG forward scored 13 league goals, and provided 7 assists for the French giants last season in Ligue 1, as they continued their domination of the French top flight.

Kylian Mbappe scored 4 goals for the World Cup winning French side, and was chosen as the best young player of the tournament. The French prodigy has started this season on fire, as he has already scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in just 7 appearances for PSG this season.

The teenager has a bright future ahead, and is expected to outperform Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, it is expected that the Frenchman will finish at the number three spot in this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

All stats via transfermarkt

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo - would be looking to add to his tally of 5

The Portuguese superstar was believed to be the only strong candidate to win the Ballon d'Or prior to World Cup 2018. He outperformed everyone in the UCL as he helped Real Madrid win their third consecutive UCL title.

However, Portugal's early exit from the World Cup changed things a bit. Though, Ronaldo scored a brilliant hat-trick against the mighty Spanish team and scored the only goal in the win against Morocco.

Following his move to Juventus, the 33-year-old winger struggled a lot as he had 23 shots on goal without finding the net, however, he has regained his usual form and now has 4 goals and 5 assists to his name so far. It might have been a much better record if it wasn't for a controversial early red card in his UCL debut for the Italian giants.

Cristiano was beaten in UEFA and FIFA's best award by ex-teammate Luka Modric. In order to win the Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo must keep scoring goals in the upcoming months until the Ballon d'Or gala, or else he’d be expected to finish in the second spot.

#1 Luka Modric

As it stands now, Luka Modric is expected to win the Ballon d’Or

The Croatian magician has already been awarded the UEFA POTY and FIFA The Best this year. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder has been Real Madrid’s engine over the years. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo provided the decisive goals in Real Madrid’s European domination lately, Luka Modric had been the man behind the creation of those goals.

The attacking midfielder led his national side to their maiden FIFA World Cup final in Russia, and was also chosen as the best player of the tournament.

Spectators might talk about his performance factors, but if goal scoring isn’t everything in football, then Luka Modric is the most deserving player to win the award this year.

After being voted as the worst transfer of 2012 in a Marca poll, Luka Modric changed everything, and has been playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s success ever since the 2013-14 season. As it stands now, Luka Modric is expected to win the Ballon d’Or this season, ending Messi and Ronaldo’s domination.