See how we rank the 15 nominees for this year’s award…
FIFpro have just published their shortlist for the midfielders in this year’s Ballon d’Or team of the year. While they are all world class players who play for top teams, some are clearly above others when considering the last 12 months. Here we run down the 15 nominees, in order of how we think they rank.
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15) Xavi
Lucky to have made the list after being phased out of Barcelona’s first team.
14) Andres Iniesta
Not having his best season so far this year, and played for a poor Spain side in Brazil.
13) Mesut Ozil
Has missed most of this season through injury, and faded throughout 2014/14, but was part of the World Cup winning Germany team.
12) Andrea Pirlo
Another vintage year for the Italian, who continues to excel for Juventus and Italy.
11) Arturo Vidal
Vidal kept up his great form, and played heroically at the World Cup despite injury.
10) Paul Pogba
Continues his rise to the top of the world game at club and international level.
9) Cesc Fabregas
Has had a fabulous start to his Chelsea career, but did not particularly excel last year.
8) James Rodriguez
One of the stand-out players of the World Cup, and favourite to win the Puskas “goal of the year” award.
7) Yaya Touré
Won the league for Man City with some vital goals, but has not matched that form this season.
6) Eden Hazard
The key player in Chelsea’s attack last year, and has started in brilliant form this term.
5) Bastian Schweinsteiger
The vital central cog in Bayern and Germany’s midfield.
4) Angel Di Maria
Was exceptional for Real Madrid playing out of position, and played well for Argentina in Brazil.
3) Xabi Alonso
Part of Real’s Champions League winning side, now proving his enduring value at Bayern Munich.
2) Luka Modric
The key to Real’s Champions league win, superb in every game from November onwards.
1) Toni Kroos
Pips his new teammate Modric through being Germany’s stand-out player at the World Cup. Has seamlessly replaced Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid too, which is no mean feat.