Ten big names who can take the gong off the big two.
With the Ballon d’Or trophy going to either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi for the last seven years now, CaughtOffside takes a look at ten other big names who could be realistic candidates to end this dominance next year or in the near future.
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There’s no doubt Ronaldo and Messi deserve this superb recognition for their superhuman performances for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, but neutrals will surely be hoping we see the rise of a new star by the time the votes come rolling in next winter.
With a combination of current greats and future stars, here are some possible contenders to win the award in the future…after all, Ronaldo and Messi can’t possibly keep this up forever!
1) Luis Suarez (Barcelona)
A player who was majestic for Liverpool last season before his £75m move to Barcelona this term, the Uruguayan has suffered a slight dip in form but remains world class and could perhaps reach new heights with the help of Messi and co. with him at the Nou Camp.
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2) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
The most expensive player of all time and a joy to watch on his day, Gareth Bale may have the tough challenge of upstaging Ronaldo in his own team, let alone in the world rankings. The Welshman still has more to offer, though, and has been in fine form this season as he seeks to win more silverware for Real. Individual recognition in the future can’t be ruled out.
3) Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
One of the best players in the Premier League on his day, Chelsea winger Eden Hazard is another big name who looks set to be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come. More trophies with the Blues would no doubt help his cause, but he has that feel of a player who could soon be hailed as the very best on the planet.
4) Diego Costa (Chelsea)
An absolute goal machine for Atletico Madrid last season, Diego Costa was superb to fire the underdogs to the La Liga title. Even if scoring for fun for Chelsea may be less of a challenge, he deserves some recognition for consistently strong form in front of goal down the years and has to be considered if he keeps this up.
5) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Perhaps the signing of the summer, Alexis Sanchez has lit up the Premier League with Arsenal this season after a difficult few years as understudy to Messi and others at Barcelona. Now the star and focal point of his team, the Chilean has the quality to be one of the best in the world, but is he likely to win enough trophies with Arsenal to be considered?
6) Neymar (Barcelona)
Tipped for great things ever since he first broke onto the scene at Brazilian side Santos, Neymar is now doing the business for Barcelona and looks more and more like the real deal after an inconsistent first season in Europe last year.
7) Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
A hugely under-rated player, Thomas Muller may never have that same glamour of players like Messi and Ronaldo, but the Bayern Munich man has been lethal in front of goal for club and country in recent years, winning all there is to win in the game and surely earning more recognition than he currently gets.
8) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Another Premier League star, Sergio Aguero of Manchester City would surely be considered among the very best in the world more if he had better luck avoiding injuries. The world class Argentine is an absolutely deadly finisher and oozes class, but he will need a more injury-free 2015 with even more silverware as well if he is to be considered.
9) James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
After lighting up the World Cup with Colombia this summer, James Rodriguez has earned his big move to Real Madrid and could be the ideal heir to Ronaldo at the Bernabeu as he establishes himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
10) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Still a bit early for him perhaps, but Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba looks like having the world at his feet as he continues to impress year after year with the Serie A giants. The 21-year-old has all the skill, flair and sheer power in the middle of the park that makes him a thoroughly entertaining player to watch, and he will surely only continue to get better.