We also have a World Cup to look forward to. Both tournaments give several top players the chance to shine at the highest level. Some of those will be looking at their potential chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. With the award being dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for so long, is it time for another individual to take over? Let’s have a look at some of the contenders for the title.
Is it finally Lewandowski’s time?
The Polish striker has perhaps been unlucky to not have won the award before. Since signing for Bayern in 2014, he has scored over 300 goals and helped Bayern Munich dominate the German game. (https://elitetrainingcenter.net/) Many bookmakers see another Bayern Bundesliga title as inevitable, but it will be in the Champions League where Lewandowski puts forward a claim for the Ballon d’Or. If you look at online betting with Paddy Power, you will see they are 2nd favorites to win Europe’s premier competition.
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Mo Salah is looking unplayable
Another player in with a shot is Mo Salah. Liverpool’s Egyptian forward could finish the year with an AFCON title alongside domestic and European honors for his club. He has been in fine form this season and managed to score 23 goals in the first half of the campaign. His most memorable performance came in a 5-0 thrashing against Manchester United.
Can Kevin De Bruyne have an impact on club and country?
A big twelve months is coming up for the Belgian midfielder. Manchester City and Belgium will be looking at De Bruyne to help them finally get over the line in different competitions. The blues will see him as key for them in going one step further in the Champions League. For his country, the World Cup probably represents the last chance for team Belgium’s golden generation to win a major tournament.
Could we see a shock winner?
Many things can happen within a short space of time, and new players can quickly become contenders. Vinícius Júnior is a player that is starting to shine. 2022 might come too soon for him to claim the Ballon d’Or award, but more great moments could make people take notice.
What does it take to win the award?
With Ronaldo and Messi slowly coming to the end of their peak, you’d have to wonder if players will dominate the award as they have done. At the moment, it looks like no player will reach their level but you never know.
The players that make a difference for their clubs and countries this year might be the ones that have a great chance of winning the award. If De Bruyne, for example, helps City win the Champions League, there will certainly be a lot of support for him to win. This narrative will change each year, thus allowing for different players to become future contenders.
