Who will win the Ballon D'Or 2018?

There are a lot of quality players out on the field with potential of acquiring the so called best player award in the world easily known as the “THE BALLON D’OR”. Since the year 2008 this mesmerising price has been shared among two, who are known to the world as CRISTIANO RONALDO and LIONEL MESSI. Both of them are so far presented with 5 of the awards equally throughout these years. To be honest no one else other than these two has not even came close into winning the award after 2008. But this year a number of different things have happened. Lots of underdogs have proved their worth and are told to be possible winners of this Glamorous award. As the World Cup is upon us on July, it will play a major role on declaring the Ballon D’Or winner this year.

With the help of various experts and from the form they are in, we have reduced a 23 possible nominees list: (not in chromatic order)

         1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)

It was quite a wonderful year for this 5 time Ballon D’Or winner, with his team winning the league title and the domestic (Copa del Rey) cup. He played a key role on winnings these trophies for his club and he single handily took Argentina to the World Cup, who were on the verge of disqualification. Despite of knocked out of the UCL both Messi and Barcelona had a good year.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La liga	33	32	12	2793
Champions League	10	6	4	783
Copa del Rey	6	4	4	509
Supercopa	2	1	-	180
Total	51	43	18	4265

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (REAL MADRID)

It is a decent year so far for this 5 time Ballon D’Or winner. His form at the beginning of the season was questionable, later on he proved them wrong with his goal scoring abilities. Losing in the domestic cup (Copa del Rey) and La liga is a downsizing for the player, but reaching in the finals of UCL will increase his chances on winning this award 6^th time. As for his country, he solely led them into the World Cup finals.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La liga	25	24	5	2190
Champions League	12	15	3	1080
Club World Cup	2	2	-	180
UEFA Supercup	1	-	-	7
Supercopa	1	1	-	24
Total	41	42	8	3481

3. Neymar Jr. (Paris Saint-Germain)

It was his first year after leaving FC Barcelona. It’s as if everyone predicted, as usual PSG won the Ligue 1 and The Coupe de la Ligue. But having to impress in the UCL was out of the question for the Brazilian. The most expensive player in the world missed out the half of his season by an ankle injury, still his stats are quite impressive, which is why he could possibly be a part of the Ballon D’Or nominee list. With his country (Brazil) in such great form and having a great team strength and a good coach, the Brazilians are one of the favorites in winning the World Cup. As their key player he show Neymar should his worth. 

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Ligue 1	20	19	15	1797
Champions League	7	6	4	630
Coupe de La Ligue	2	1	-	180
Coupe de France	1	2	-	90
Total	30	28	19	2697

        

4. Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona)

This Barcelona legend is on the verge of ending his career this year. He has once again proved that he is the magician, even at this age. He is the leader Barca deserves and they have won 2 titles for their “EL CAPITANO” this year. As the World Cup is just around the corner, it is official that it is the last one for the magician.  

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La liga	27	1	1	1639
Champions League	8	-	2	624
Copa del Rey	5	1	-	357
Supercopa	1	-	-	68
Total	41	2	3	2688

5. Mohammed Salah (Liverpool FC)

He is one of the favorites in winning the Ballon D’Or. His return to the Premier League has been amazing. His consistency on scoring as well as assisting has been a feast for human eyes. He has been a threat to the opponent’s defense right from the start. He played key role on taking the Pools onto the final of Champions League. The 25 year old player took charge and led Egypt to the World Cup.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Premier League	35	31	10	2836
Champions League	12	10	5	899
Champions League Qualifiers	2	1	-	180
FA Cup	1	1	-	90
Total	50	43	15	4005

6. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

This man proved that age is just a number, with his ability to keep a perfect clean sheet in most of his games throughout this season. His team is on the verge of winning the Serie A title and is also on the final of their domestic cup (Coppa Italia). One of the worst thing happened to Luigi this year would be his country not getting qualified for the World Cup, and the World would surely miss this Legend in the coming year.

Competition	Games played	Goals Conceded	Clean Sheets	Minutes played
Serie A	20	14	11	1800
Champions League	9	11	3	810
Coppa Italia	2	-	2	180
Supercoppa TIM	1	3	-	90
Total	32	28	16	2880

7. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

This man has been the back bone of the Real Madrid defense for a really long time. His passion for scoring has always been duly noted. He is very consistent on not conceding goals. His aggressiveness has always been amusing. The Champions League final is upon us soon, this guy can always make a difference. As for his country is one of the favourites in winning the World Cup.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La Liga	24	3	1	2111
Champions League	10	1	-	900
Supercopa	2	-	-	180
Club World Cup	1	-	-	90
UEFA Supercup	1	-	-	90
Total	39	4	1	3461

8. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

The key player in midfield for the new English Champions. He is one of the most adored future maestro’s. He is a complete midfielder, with the ability to assist as well as score goals when needed. His country would be competing in the World Cup, with a strong team.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Premier League	36	8	15	2995
Champions League	8	1	4	667
EFL Cup	4	2	1	308
FA Cup	3	1	-	129
Total	51	12	20	4099

9. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

One of the finest and young forward of this era, his ease to find space and score is quite a wonderful thing to watch. His arrogance towards goal is simply audacious. Though Spurs hadn’t won any Cups, Harry Kane is in the golden boot (EPL) race up against Mohammed Salah. He would possibly Captain the England side this year. The English have high hopes on this player.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Premier League	35	27	3	2903
Champions League	7	7	2	597
FA Cup	4	4	-	273
EFL Cup	-	-	-	-
Total	46	38	5	3773

10. Gerard Pique (FC Barcelona)

He is one of the brightest and nerveless defender you can see in this period. His decision making has always been courageous, he ain’t afraid to showboat inside his own half. He is the without question one of the best defender in the world and he could possibly achieve the nominee for the Ballon D’Or. He is playing for Spain in the World Cup, which is probably one of the strongest team in Tournament.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La Liga	27	2	-	2404
Champions League	9	1	-	736
Copa Del Rey	8	1	-	636
Supercopa	2	-	-	140
Total	46	4	-	3916

11. Thomas Muller (FC Bayern Munich)

Unlike other forwards Muller isn’t just about scoring goals, he loves to selflessly assist his team mates. He simply always finds space inside defensive area of the opponent. This ability of has been a grace for his team. Bayern having won the Bundesliga title and a beautiful performance in the Champions League (knocked out in semi), he has a good chance in being in the nominee list of the Ballon D’Or. He plays in the German squad, who apparently won the last World Cup. 

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Bundesliga	28	8	16	1894
Champions League	10	3	2	734
DFB-Pokal	4	4	-	292
DFL-Supercup	1	-	-	67
Total	43	15	18	2987

12. Ciro Immobile (SS Lazio)

He has been at his best from the beginning of the season. He’s one of the crucial players in the Lazio side. The Italian side won the Supercopa final against Juventus with 2 absolute wonder of a goal from this 28 year old Italian forward. With great difficulty Lazio is on the verge of finishing fourth in the league behind Roma and Internazionale, but it can only be decided in the upcoming games. Though his Country is not qualified for the World Cup, he did have a good season.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Serie A	32	29	10	2621
Europa League	9	8	1	581
Coppa Italia	4	2	-	357
Supercoppa TIM	1	2	-	90
Total	46	41	11	3649

13. Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)

The goal hunter in the PSG squad. He has always been reliable in games for the French side. He is more of a box player, which makes him more dangerous to stop. He leads in the golden boot run in the Ligue 1 division. He would captain his side in the World Cup. Uruguay has fine players in order to give a good performance.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Ligue 1	32	28	8	2589
Champions League	8	7	1	680
Coupe de France	5	3	3	428
Coupe de la Ligue	2	2	-	169
Trophee des Champions	1	-	-	90
Total	48	40	12	3956

14. Roberto Firminho (Liverpool FC)

He has been outstanding throughout the season, by both scoring and assisting goals. Most of his movements are threatening and dangerous. His mind connection with his team mate Mohammed Salah is always noted. The front 3 of Liverpool isled by this 26 year old Brazilian. He played key role on getting Liverpool in the final of the Champions League. In the World Cup his side has a good chance on winning the tournament. 

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Premier League	37	15	7	2778
Champions League	12	10	8	966
Champions League Qualification	2	1	1	174
FA Cup	2	1	1	180
Total	53	27	17	4098

15. Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

He leaded the forward of Juventus side this year. With his supportive efforts Juventus is almost crowned as champions once again this year. The 24 year old Argentinean is said to be the future of the club and his country. His movements are always appreciable. His side came 2^ND in the last World Cup, they have their chances on winning the tournament this year.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Serie A	32	22	5	2266
Champions League	8	1	-	661
Coppa Italia	4	1	2	271
Supercoppa TIM	1	2	-	90
Total	45	26	7	3288

16. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)

The perfect striker Barca has, he has been in great form. He has never disappointed the team in need. He duos up with Lionel Messi to scoring and assisting goals. He played a good role in winning the league title and domestic title. Without questions he is one of the best forward in the world. He still has to show his worth in his international colours. This World Cup is vital for this 31 year old Uruguayan.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La Liga	32	25	11	2812
Champions League	10	1	3	884
Copa del Rey	6	5	2	481
Supercopa	2	-	1	180
Total	50	31	17	4357

17. Marcelo Vieira (Real Madrid)

One of the best left backs in the World at the moment, there isn’t pretty much anyone who can compete against Marcelo at his position. His ability to dribble past defenders, even though he is supposed to be a defender is wonderful. He loves to overlap his run onto supporting attackers, and he most usually does it. Real Madrid is in now in finals of UCL and Marcelo played a key role on taking them there. Brazil could easily win the World Cup with a team of their strength, and Marcelo can play a vital role in it. With his performance this year, he could easily find a spot in the nominee list of Ballon D’Or.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La Liga	27	2	5	2173
Champions League	10	3	2	868
Club World Cup	2	-	-	180
Supercopa	2	-	1	180
UEFA Supercup	1	-	-	90
Total	42	5	8	3491

18. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

He is been in form from the start of the season. His performance led the Manchester side onto winning the Premier League this year. Sadly he was injured after mid-season, which made him lose certain important games. He was in the golden boot run in the English League, until his injuries, still he has an impressive stat. The Argentinean is going to the World Cup with high hopes, and his performance is going to be very vital for the team.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Premier League	25	21	6	1969
Champions League	7	4	1	440
EFL Cup	4	3	-	311
FA Cup	3	2	-	213
Total	39	30	7	2933

19. Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern Munich)

Clearly one of the best finishers in the game at the moment. He has not forgotten to show his class in each game. He did an important role in getting the league title for Bayern. He is currently the leader on the race for the golden boot in Bundesliga. His Polish side would be competing in World Cup this year, He would be leading them. 

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Bundesliga	30	29	2	2169
Champions League	11	5	2	955
DFB-Pokal	5	5	1	453
DFL-Supercup	1	1	-	90
Total	47	40	5	3667

20. Luka Modric (Real Madrid FC)

The midfield maestro in the Real Madrid side. He always seems to control the midfield. His accurate passes are always a threat to the opponents. His style of play is a glory to watch. He helped Real Madrid reach the finals of the UCL. The 32 year old will lead the Croatian side in upcoming World Cup.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La Liga	25	1	6	1914
Champions League	10	1	1	868
Club World Cup	2	-	1	180
Copa del Rey	2	-	-	44
UEFA Supercup	1	-	-	90
Supercopa	1	-	-	90
Total	41	2	8	3186

21. David De Gea (Manchester United)

The origin of strength of the Manchester side and of course one of the best Goal keepers of this time and the coming years. He had been like a wall at goal for the Red-Devils. If it wasn’t for him the Manchester side would have conceded a lot more defeats than now. He should easily be in the nominee list. He should be able to show a lot more of his performance in the World Cup for his Spanish national team.

Competition	Games played	Goals Conceded	Clean Sheets	Minutes played
Premier League	37	28	18	3330
Champions League	6	3	4	540
UEFA Supercup	1	2	-	90
FA Cup	1	1	-	90
Total	45	34	22	4050

22. Antoine Griezmann (Athletico Madrid)

As players go Antoine Griezmann, was a grace to watch this year. His performances in each game were admirable. His side is in the final of UEL which will take place soon enough. Along with his sole performance, it took the entire team to take them there and finishing behind Barcelona would be one of their targets for the end of the season. The French player would be competing in the World Cup this year. 

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
La Liga	31	19	9	2499
Europa League	7	4	4	540
Champions League	6	2	2	529
Copa del Rey	3	2	-	183
Total	47	27	15	3751

23. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

One of the best emerging players currently playing in the world. He is one of the key players of the French side. His eagerness to assist the ball than scoring one is appreciable. The 19 year old French player will be watched by the fans throughout the upcoming World Cup.

Competition	Games played	Goals	Assists	Minutes played
Ligue 1	28	13	8	2171
Champions League	8	4	3	658
Coupe de France	5	4	3	399
Coupe de la Ligue	4	-	2	255
Trophee des Champions	1	-	-	71
Total	46	21	16	3554