5 players who could win the Ballon d'Or after Messi and Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the Ballon d'Or since Kaka last won the prestigious award back in 2007 - with both the La Liga superstars winning the prize 5-times each since then.

The duo are once again favorites to win the most sought after individual award in football this season. But who will follow the two titans as the next superstar once the duo are past their prime.

#5 Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe celebrating a goal for PSG

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar made a name for himself in the 2016-17 season whilst playing for AS Monaco as he helped guide them to the Ligue 1 title.

The French international made his debut for the French side in the 2015-16 season but it was the following season that he truly broke through - scoring 26 goals in 44 appearances at the tender age of 18.

Mbappe has had another stellar year both domestically and internationally scoring 17 goals and providing 14 assists making a certain claim as one of the best young talents around.

PSG signed Mbappe on loan but will make the signing official at the end of the season. The 19-year-old is sure to be a top contender for the Ballon d'Or award in the years to come.

#4 Harry Kane

'One season wonder' Harry Kane has undoubtedly proved the cynics wrong.

English international Harry Kane was dubbed by many as a one season wonder after he smashed the club record for most goals scored in a single season - finding the back of the net 21 times in 34 games in 2014-15.

Kane bettered that record the following season as he went on to score 25 goals and 29 goals the season after that.

The Spurs superstar has been in terrific form this season aswell - having already scored 40 goals for club and country but the Englishman is currently out through injury.

Harry has undoubtedly proven that his goal scoring prowess is no fluke and he will be in the fight for the best footballer prize.

#3 Kevin de Bruyne

Chelseas's biggest transfer blunder?

Kevin de Bruyne will always be the one that got away for Chelsea as the Blues sold one of the EPL's current most exciting talents to Wolfsburg back in January of 2014 for just £18 million.

The Belgian international had struggled to get game-time at Chelsea but proved critics wrong with a breakout 2014-15 season with the German side as he ended the season with 16 goals and 27 assists.

Soon Manchester City came calling and the former Blues star was signed for a whooping £55 million in August 2015 and has since earned a reputation as being one of world's finest, which certainly will make him a top contender for the Ballon d'Or award one day.

De Bruyne has 11 goals and 23 assists to his name already for City this season but has failed to make a major impact for the Belgian national team this season.

#2 Neymar Jr.

Out of Messi's shadow at last?

The Brazilian international has needed no introduction since he signed for Barcelona back in 2013 (despite the several controversies surrounding the financial aspects of the transfer).

Neymar quickly formed a deadly strike partnership with Messi and had a fantastic debut season at the Catalan side, scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists.

The Brazilian went on to spend four seasons at the Nou Camp before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the 2017-18 campaign for a world record fee of £200 million (€222m) and has since notched 25 goals for the French outfit - and with him seemingly no longer in Leo Messi's shadow, this could be the perfect time for him to aim for the top award.

Neymar has 27 goals and 16 assists to his name so far for PSG this season, the Brazil Captain is certainly all set to lead his side into the World Cup in Russia this summer.

#1 Eden Hazard

Football's crown prince?

Chelsea's blue eyed boy has been lurking around the top three status for a couple of years now and has shown time and again that he is ready to elevate his status as the top guy in Europe.

Eden Hazard is often being compared to both Ronaldo and Messi and with his recent form there is no doubt that the Blues talisman will be tough to beat once the two stars come to the end of their glittering careers.

Hazard has been in incredible form and the Stamford Bridge superstar has taken his game to the next level ever since he started taking a more central role under Antonio Conte.

Eden will be one of the top contenders for a long-time seeing as he is just 27 and has a long career ahead of him to grab the coveted Ballon d'Or.

Hazard has been phenomenal once again for Chelsea this season, having scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists for Chelsea thus far. He has also scored once for Belgium this season as he gears up to lead the Red Devils in the World Cup.