Yes. And here are my picks to do it.
It has become a habit. Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo wins the Ballon d’Or. The superstars have shared the last ten editions, winning five each.
But it finally looks like another superstar could break that string. Here are three players who could be “the one” to do it.
Courtesy: YouTube
#1 Mohamed Salah: There is no better candidate to stop the Messi-Ronaldo dominance. In his first year at the Anfield, the attacker took his game to unbelievable heights, tearing apart opposing defenses and racking up plenty of goals. He bagged an amazing 32 goals and 10 assists in the EPL as well as 10 goals and 4 assists in the UEFA Champions League. He scored more goals than Ronaldo in the domestic league (26) and Lionel Messi in the European tournament (6). He also performed on the big stage, helping The Reds to overcome the likes of Porto, Manchester City, and Roma on their way to the final of the Champions League. If Salah maintains his amazing form until the end of the calendar year, he will definitely have the chance to dethrone that incredible duo.
Courtesy: Goal.com
#2 Neymar Jr: He’s one of the most consistent and most talented players in the world who just had a great campaign, leading PSG to an amazing domestic double. He bagged an incredible 27 goals and 16 assists in 28 appearances for PSG in all competitions during the campaign. He was superb in big games, leading them to a 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, a match in which he bagged an incredible goal and assisted on another. The Brazilian has a great chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this year and The World Cup gives him another opportunity to show that he is the best player in the world. He joins an in-form Brazilian with brilliant players the likes of Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus, Douglas Costa, and Marcelo. If Neymar succeeds in leading his nation to the trophy, he may end the Messi-Ronaldo dominance.
Courtesy: Mirror
#3 Antoine Griezmann: Many people will likely write-off Griezmann’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. But don’t sell this Frenchman short. Winning the Ballon d’Or requires consistency and that’s what this footballer has. Griezmann has been a standout performer over the past few years. While Atletico might have been rather quiet during the 2017/2018 season, the 27-year-old was able to put up amazing performances. He bagged an amazing 19 goals and 9 assists to help the team finish second on the La Liga table. He also led the club to claim the UEFA Europa League, scoring an amazing brace against Marseille in the final of the tournament. The fact that his nation is among the favorites to win the World Cup is another advantage for the superstar. Playing alongside Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Ousmane Dembele, Ngolo Kante, and Samuel Umtiti should boost his chances. Trust the statement that Griezmann is in the race to be named the best player in the world.
