Many fans cannot see past Lionel Messi claiming an eighth Ballon d’Or win, but there are other contenders for when the victor is unveiled on October 16, writes Dylan Appolis.
Lionel Messi (PSG & Argentina)
Although there are multiple candidates worthy of taking home this prestigious award, Messi is the front runner to claim his record eighth Ballon d’Or after finally ending his long wait for his first World Cup title.
Aside from lifting the trophy in Qatar, he also walked away with the Golden Ball as the best player at the World Cup. He looks a shoo-in to claim the prize following his form for club and country.
Kylian Mbappe (PSG & France)
Kylian Mbappe will have his say and give PSG teammate Lionel Messi a run for his money for the individual accolade.
The Frenchmen finished sixth in the rankings last time around, but this year, he is another of the favourites to win.
Mbappe has been one of the standout performers this season after clinching the Golden Boot award, with eight goals in total and a hat-trick in the World Cup final.
He also recently became PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 201 goals, all achieved by the age of 24.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway)
Despite not featuring at the World Cup after Norway failed to qualify, Haaland has been a revelation since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of the season after activating his 60 million (£51.2 million) release clause.
Haaland will definitely be a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or if he can continue his impressive form for Pep Guardiola’s side; he continues to lead the Premier League scoring charts, having gone past last season’s top mark midway through the current campaign.
Neymar (PSG & Brazil)
Neymar has been back to his best form for French giants PSG this season and despite failing to lead his country to the World Cup title, he did manage to match Pelé’s all-time Brazil goals record, and his club numbers have been incredible this season.
One thing that could count against him is the ankle injury that will likely see him miss the rest of the season. Has he already done enough, maybe?
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona & Poland)
Robert Lewandowski has battled for top form since joining Barcelona from Bayern Munich, but his contribution to his new club has played a massive role in their run for the LaLiga title.
Despite scoring his first two goals ever at a World Cup, the Polish international will definitely stake his claim for the award as he currently leads the scoring charts for the Spanish giants this season.
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid & Brazil)
Vinicius Junior was one of the stars for Brazil at the World Cup and showed flashes of his outstanding ability in his debut on the global stage, but he could not produce a consistent performance to help Brazil past the quarter-finals.
At club level, Vinicius has been a revelation for Real Madrid this season, stepping up in the absence of striker Karim Benzema, elevating his game to make him Real Madrid’s main man.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City & Belgium)
Kevin De Bruyne looked a shadow of his usual self at the World Cup in a disappointing campaign with Belgium, but his Manchester City form has been outstanding.
He will play a crucial role in helping Pep Guardiola’s side fight for a successive Premier League trophy, and he looks on course to be crowned the top assist maker in the 2022/23 season.
Luka Modric (Real Madrid & Croatia)
Luka Modric continues to prove that he is ageing like fine wine as he defies logic with his breathtaking performances for both club and country.
The veteran midfielder led Croatia to a semifinal finish at the World Cup for a third time in their 30-year history, and he will be eyeing the chance to guide Real Madrid to silverware.
He has been playing at the top level for almost 15 years and is arguably one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. Modric is surely in with a shout for the coveted prize.
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa & Argentina)
Emiliano Martínez is more than likely to be among the nominees for this prestigious award after his heroic performances throughout the World Cup to help Argentina clinch the World Cup trophy. He also walked away with the Golden Glove award.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper was also named the Best FIFA Men’s goalkeeper, having played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, producing a number of incredible saves, most notably his stop late in the final against France, which directly contributed to Argentina eventually lifting the trophy.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United & England)
Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life this campaign despite a poor start to the season. His impressive goal- scoring form has played a vital role in helping Manchester United end their six-year trophy drought following their triumph in the Carabao Cup.
He is by far Erik ten Hag’s most improved player this season and if he is about to carry United to even more silverware this season, then there is nothing ruling the England international out of the running for individual honours.
