The 2018 Ballon d'Or is just days away, with Monday being the date for the highly-anticipated gala. The latest edition of this coveted prize has sparked tons of debate, as many wonder if the Messi-Cristiano duopoly will come to an end.
The odds-on favorite for this prize is Luka Modric. After winning the Champions League last season with Real Madrid, the Blancos midfielder then lead his nation to the World Cup final, winning the Golden Ball as a result.
The 33-year-old then went on the win The Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year accolade and is thus tipped to beat the competition for France Football's award. And according to a recent leak, the Croatian ace has already emerged on top in the voting.
As reported by Sky Italia, via AS, Modric will be crowned the winner on Monday after winning in the poll, making him the first player since Kaka to win this prize that is not Messi or Cristiano. As for Ronaldo, the defending champion finished in second and will thus miss out on the opportunity to win for a record sixth time.
In third is Griezmann, the Frenchman who won the World Cup over the summer alongside his Europa League and UEFA Super Cup success with Atletico Madrid. The report also states that both Griezmann and Cristiano will not attend the gala.
Sky Italia also writes that the Kopa Trophy, which will recognize the best Under-21 player, will go to Kylian Mbappe after his stellar year. As for the Women's Ballon d'Or, the inaugural gong will go to Brazilian sensation, Marta.
