Let’s take a look at some early Ballon d’Or contenders.
After a long break from football, rumours have started springing up regarding who will win this year’s Ballon d’Or. An award dominated by the likes of Ronaldo and Messi with Modric, an exception in between. This year could be a chance for a new winner.
Lionel Messi, the defending champion has 6 Ballon D’Ors to his name while Ronaldo has 5. With international tournaments postponed for next year, the criteria for claiming the prize could be based only on club performances.
Despite Brazil, Portugal, and Argentina ruling the rooster of Ballon D’or wins since the turn of the century, interestingly, it is Germany and Netherlands who are the joint leaders with the highest number of Ballon d’Or winners. Both countries have seen their players win it a staggering seven times, apiece.
Let’s take a look at the top 20 players contending for the prize based on current form
20. Ciro Immobile
19. Timo Werner
18. Jordan Henderson
17. Alphonso Davies
16. Sadio Mane
15. Kai Havertz
14. Paulo Dybala
13. Jadon Sancho
12. Sergio Ramos
11. Serge Gnabry
With Lazio failing to catch up to Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen losing out on a Champions League spot, it is safe to say Ciro Immobile and Havertz respectively have been finished for their season, but will be proud of their performances. Alphonso Davies the rising Canadian star has been eye-catching in his first senior season and has wrapped up two trophies with a Champions League campaign left.
Timo Werner has already secured a move to Chelsea, while Jadon Sancho will look to do the same with the Red Devils, the likely destination to help him challenge at the next level and maybe win the Ballon d’Or in the future. Henderson, Liverpool captain has put in some strong performances this season and has won a Premier League as well to establish a legend status among the Kop. Gnabry,Ramos and Dybala will be looking to further rise in rankings with Champions League,La Liga and Serie A still in action.