An award, dominated in recent times by the likes of Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, and others, Ballon d’Or is one of the most coveted honors for any soccer star, on the basis of their performance evaluation throughout the year. Between the years 2008 and 2020, a duopoly of Ronaldo and Messi was maintained as they were undoubtedly the best in the past decade or so. However, after Ronaldo’s fitness and form started waning with age, this duopoly saw a breakthrough. Moreover, it also looks like this time the title is going to a different footballing star and not these two footballing greats.
Messi has spent a rough twelve months at Major League Soccer and Kylian Mbappé has seen a transfer battle around PSG, and both of them look unlikely for securing the title this time around. Some of the contenders of this trophy can be Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and of course Vinicius Junior, as they have performed both league-wise as well as internationally, winning major games for their teams as well as scoring some great goals.
Although Vinicus Jr. looks like a strong contender, but his overall average performance in national team appearances look very shallow as he has scored only 3 goals in his total of 28 appearances. This also includes a sheer four assists.
Have Ronaldo and Messi won the Ballon d’Or?
Ronaldo and Messi have won the Ballon d’Or so many times that football fans have actually stopped counting. At one point they used to maintain a duopoly between each other across 2008-2020.
Who is awarded the Ballon d’Or?
The best football player of the year globally, according to performances and statistics, is awarded the Ballon d’Or awarded by FIFA, which is one of the most coveted titles for any individual football player.
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