Legendary Brazilian Kaka has named his two picks for this year’s Ballon d’Or. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are outright favourites for the award the midfielder has not named either in his selection, instead, he has opted for Luka Modrić and Kylian Mbappé.
Both Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the award for the last decade, sharing five awards each, will one of them edge ahead this year?
Ronaldo appears to be best placed to claim the award, having led a Real Madrid team that claimed their third consecutive Champions League title, but he faces strong competition from several players including Mo Salah, Modrić and Messi.
Kaka was the last player to win the Ballon d’Or outside of Ronaldo and Messi in 2007 while playing for AC Milan.
Yet the 36-year-old has shunned both former winners, feeling that Modrić and Mbappé are more deserving following excellent seasons with their respective clubs and a summer which culminated with them both featuring in the World Cup final.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, per AS, Kaka said:
Yet the 36-year-old has shunned both former winners, feeling that Modrić and Mbappé are more deserving following excellent seasons with their respective clubs and a summer which culminated with them both featuring in the World Cup final.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, per AS, Kaka said:
“Modrić has had some impressive results, winning the Champions League and being able to play the World Cup final. He is the man who creates the show and commands the game, Mbappé is very strong and has a whole career ahead of him. Let the future be yours.”
At the 2018 World Cup Luca Modrić won Golden Ball and Kylian Mbappé won best young player.
Mo Salah, Kevin De Bruyne and Harry Kane are being championed by fans for the award but are outside shots.
Neymar has imploded of sorts after an underwhelming World Cup and on-field antics have meant it is unlikely he will win the award after finishing third in 2015 and 2017.
On Ronaldo’s move to Juve Kaka added, “For Italian football it’s great to have it, it brings visibility, sponsors, media interest around the world.” Cristiano brings many things to the Italian soccer system as a whole, not just for Juventus.”
sportbible.com
Mo Salah, Kevin De Bruyne and Harry Kane are being championed by fans for the award but are outside shots.
Neymar has imploded of sorts after an underwhelming World Cup and on-field antics have meant it is unlikely he will win the award after finishing third in 2015 and 2017.
On Ronaldo’s move to Juve Kaka added, “For Italian football it’s great to have it, it brings visibility, sponsors, media interest around the world.” Cristiano brings many things to the Italian soccer system as a whole, not just for Juventus.”
sportbible.com
