5 2021 Ballon d'Or nominees who can break into the top five rankings next year

#3 Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund v Sport-Club Freiburg - Bundesliga

The 2021 Ballon d'Or nominee shortlist had some fine young players on it and Erling Haaland is one of them. The Norwegian striker has been terrific in front of goal for Borussia Dortmund this season.

With his tall and strong physique, the young striker can muscle past defenders with minimal effort. He has good pace and most importantly an amazing knack for scoring at regular intervals. Haaland is arguably one of the best finishers in the world right now.

Despite being sidelined with an injury this season, the Dortmund forward has been immense, scoring 14 goals across all competitions this season in just 11 appearances.

Haaland could be a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or next year should he continue with the same form. It could even get better for him if he signs for a top European club come next summer.

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#2 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Kylian Mbappe can finish in the top five Ballon d'Or rankings next year

The Frenchman has been a phenomenal player for Paris Saint-Germain ever since he signed for them in 2017. Kylian Mbappe has grown into one of the best young players with the French club being a lethal threat in the attack.

His blistering pace combined with his splendid dribbling skills make him unstoppable at times. Along with that, Mbappe is very helpful in creating and scoring goals. In just 14 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, he has already scored seven goals and assisted in eight other goals.

The former Monaco forward looks very dangerous and should contribute more by the end of the season. Despite finishing ninth in the 2021 Ballon d'Or rankings, it is very likely that Mbappe could end up in the top five next year.

His chances of winning the Ballon d'Or might increase more if he joins his dream club Real Madrid.

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#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah's current form will help in his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or next year

Mohamed Salah is the most in-form player in the Premier League right now. The Egyptian has been spectacular for Liverpool for the past five seasons and is in sizzling form this term as well.

In just 13 appearances, Salah has scored 11 goals and recorded eight assists in the Premier League. His form in Europe hasn't been poor either. With his quick feet, mind-boggling dribbling and brilliant goal-scoring abilities, the former Chelsea man has been brutally effective in attack.

He remains Liverpool's most important player this season and should he win some silverware with the Merseyside club, Salah will be a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or next year.