5 players who could be leading contenders for the 2022 Ballon d'Or

#3 Lionel Messi (Argentina/Paris Saint-Germain)

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City: Group A - UEFA Champions League

While Lionel Messi is a frontrunner in this year's Ballon d'Or race, we have our apprehensions about how involved he might be next term. After all, Messi's start to life at Paris Saint-Germain has been far from ideal.

The 34-year-old has scored just a single goal in five appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit since making the switch this past summer. With the kind of quality he possesses, there is no doubt that he will come through and deliver big.

However, the level of competition that he is going to face from the elite players on this list is going to be difficult to keep up with. So unless Messi kicks into top gear soon, he might find it hard to wade his way into the Ballon d'Or race next year.

#2 Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)

Liverpool v Burnley - Premier League

Mohamed Salah has been running riot in the new Premier League season. The Egyptian international has been in sublime form in the opening stages of the 2021-22 campaign. He has already been the difference maker for the Merseysiders on multiple occasions.

Salah seems to have improved significantly in a few areas. His ball-carrying abilities and assuredness in front of goal have undergone an upgrade and there's an air of inevitability about the way he goes about his business.

In nine appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, Salah has scored nine goals and provided three assists. Jurgen Klopp's men are sitting a point off the top of the Premier League table after seven gameweeks. They look capable of going the full distance this season and there is no doubt that Salah will be at the heart of their exploits.

#1 Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich)

FC Bayern München v Dinamo Kiev: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Yet another top contender for this year's Ballon d'Or, Robert Lewandowski, is justified in feeling robbed off the award in its absence last year. The Polish international has been in sensational goalscoring form over the past few seasons.

He seems to be kicking on in the same vein this term as well. Lewandowski has already scored 13 goals and provided an assist in 10 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarians this season.

The 33-year-old is arguably the best striker in the world right now and it does not look like he is going to slow down any time soon. If he keeps it up, Lewandowski will undoubtedly be a worthy contender for the Ballon d'Or in 2022.