5 Players who can improve their Ballon d'Or chances with a good performance in this international break

The international break is upon us, with top players from across the world now focussing on their national duties.

International breaks might polarize opinion, but there are some interesting games scheduled over the next few days. The semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League will arguably command the most attention.

Various world-class players will take this as an opportunity to establish themselves in the running for the Ballon d'Or. The most prestigious individual award in football has some high-profile candidates vying to get their hands on it.

We look at 5 players who can improve their Ballon d'Or chances with a good performance in this international break.

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#5 Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe will be in action for France during the upcoming international break

Kylian Mbappe has enjoyed a stellar start to the new season. The attacker has continued to deliver impressive performances despite heavy interest from Real Madrid.

Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, but suffered a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign. The France international failed to score in the tournament and missed the decisive penalty against Switzerland in the Round of 16. However, he has managed to push aside his Euro 2020 nightmare and has been excellent at club level.

Mbappe has been Paris Saint-Germain's best attacker this season. The 22-year-old looks destined to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer. Heading into the international break, though, his attention will be directed towards national duty. France will face Belgium in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, and Kylian Mbappe will have to be at his very best.

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#4 Karim Benzema (France)

Karim Benzema continues to lead the line for Real Madrid heading into the international break

Karim Benzema's recall to the national team for Euro 2020 generated headlines. Before the prestigious tournament, the striker had not been involved with the senior squad for over five years due to controversial reasons.

Benzema is one of the best strikers in the world and his quality has never been in doubt. Regarded by many as a complete forward, the France international is a prolific goalscorer and a highly creative attacker, who is renowned for his technical ability.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in 2018, Benzema has taken over as the superstar of the side. This season, the 33-year old has nine goals and seven assists in just eight league games. The Los Blancos main man has the most goal involvements by any player across Europe's top five leagues so far this season.

Like Mbappe, Benzema will be crucial if France are to beat Belgium in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League over the international break. If he inspires France to Nations League success, Benzema's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or will receive a huge boost.

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#3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Can Cristiano Ronaldo carry his excellent club form into the international break?

Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed an excellent start to his second spell at Manchester United and heads into the international break brimming with confidence.

The Red Devils might have produced poor performances recently, but Ronaldo has done well on an individual level. In six games in all competitions, the Portuguese superstar has scored five goals. His return has transformed the atmosphere at Old Trafford, and the club are now seen as title contenders this season.

Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards in his career. Regarded as Portugal's best-ever footballer, the 36-year old is his nation's most-capped player and all-time top goalscorer. He has scored nine goals in 10 games for his country this year, including five at Euro 2020, securing the Golden Boot at the tournament. Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down and remains a world-class goalscorer.

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#2 Jorginho (Italy)

Chelsea star Jorginho Italy Training Session And Press Conference during the international break

Many continue to contest Jorginho's rise this year, with the midfielder firmly among the candidates to win the Ballon d'Or this time around.

Jorginho is a talented midfielder and is currently enjoying the best period of his footballing career. The Italy international helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League last season and was pivotal as his country won Euro 2020 in the summer.

His medal haul certainly makes him a worthy candidate for the Ballon d'Or. With Italy set to play the UEFA Nations League semi-final during the international break, another trophy could make Jorginho the outright favourite to win the Ballon d'Or. The Italian midfielder has already won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year for 2020-21.

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#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi and Argentina will play World Cup Qualifiers during the international break

Lionel Messi is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or this time around. Having led Argentina to Copa America victory this summer, the forward could get his hands on his seventh Ballon d'Or. He has already won the Golden Boot and the Best Player award at this year's Copa America.

Messi is an all-time great. However, a slow start to his Paris Saint-Germain career could create some problems. Last season, despite brilliant performances from Messi, Barcelona endured a torrid campaign. All this could count against the Argentine sensation.

Currently, Robert Lewandowski is the only player who can come close to Messi's standards. However, a strong performance for Argentina at the World Cup Qualifiers during the international break could once again elevate Messi to the driver's seat for the prestigious award.

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