The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in world football.

Prior to Luka Modric winning last year’s gong, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s global dominance saw the pair win the previous 10 between them (five each).

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have each won the Ballon d’Or five times
Looking ahead to this year’s awards ceremony, Messi is primed to pick up a sixth title ahead of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman has become an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s side since his move from Southampton in January 2018, helping them to win a sixth Champions League crown.

He was, however, pipped to the FIFA Best Men’s Player accolade by the Barcelona star in September, with the same result expected again this time around.

Judged by a panel of journalists, the Ballon d’Or ran in conjunction with FIFA from 2010 until 2015, when the governing body split to create its own – and much less prestigious – Best Player award.

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https://futbolnews24.com/2019/12/01/ballon-dor-winners-and-the-top-10-players-from-2000-to-2018-including-cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-and-michael-owen/