'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Since 2008, the award for the world's best player has looked like the property of two men, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Both of these super-humans have won five a each, looking like men possessed, refusing to let go of the Ballon d'Or trophy whilst fighting for it among themselves.
However, with Messi now 30, and Ronaldo 32, (sadly) neither of them will be around forever and hence we look at some players who have the potential to claim this trophy when the two legends of the game retire.
#5. Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City:
When José Mourinho sold Kevin de Bruyne to Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2014, it was widely believed that the Belgian's Premier League tenure was over.
Trending
After his eye-catching displays for Wolfsburg helped them achieve silverware while qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, Manchester City made the decision to sign him for £55m. Since then, he has taken England's top-flight by storm.
Having already netted four and assisted eight more goals in the league this term, his presence in midfield has proven to be a vital cog in City's free-flowing attack.
It is no coincidence that his side sit top of the league, eight points above local rivals Manchester United. The 26-year-old has shown superb playmaking skills, always finding the killer pass to split open even the most resillient of Premier League backlines.
His performances on the pitch this term have led to pundits and former players showering him with praise, calling him the league's best player and one that truly deserves to be regarded in that world-class bracket.
Highly versatile too, he is able to play on either wing and has impressed in a deep-lying midfield role despite preferring the number ten role. On such form, de Bruyne has the capability to walk into any side's starting line-up and would certainly be a contender to win the Ballon d'Or in the years to come.
#4. Kylian Mbappé - Paris Saint-Germain:
Kylian Mbappé's stock has been on the rise ever since his breakthrough season in 2016/17. His prolific performances helped Monaco break PSG's run of four consecutive league titles to win the Ligue 1 trophy, while also winning the division's Young Player of the Year accolade.
This led to a record-breaking loan switch to PSG, who have an option to sign him permanently at the end of the campaign. The 18-year-old Frenchman plays alongside Neymar and Edinson Cavani in their much-feared attacking trio, featuring as part of an ambitious side who are challenging on all fronts this term.
His pace, trickery and eye for goal make him a nightmare for defenders to contend with around the world. Mbappé's playing style has often also been linked to that of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who enjoyed similar stardom in the younger stages of his illustrious career.
#3. Eden Hazard - Chelsea
Eden Hazard has often been called the best player to ply his trade in the Premier League. A fan favourite at Chelsea, he has tirelessly been linked to Real Madrid - as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne.
His direct running, passing, pace and movement are why the Belgian international is such a menace for defenders. His forward-thinking playstyle has drawn comparisons to Ronaldo, with Mourinho once including him in the same world-class bracket as Cristiano as well as Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
Barring one season, in which Chelsea significantly struggled, the 26-year-old has always been influential at club level. Notching up goals and assists on a frequent basis, he has shown his ability to perform on the big stage against high-quality opponents. On his day, Hazard's quality allows him to dictate play effortlessly while involving team-mates in attacking moves.
The former PFA Player of the Year is definitely another forward who stakes his claim to football's top individual award.
#2. Antoine Griezmann - Atletico Madrid:
Antoine Griezmann finished third behind both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in last year's Ballon d'Or voting. Versatile in attack, he has shown his capability to play anywhere across the front line, on either flank or as a striker - while recently, his under-rated passing range has gradually received more recognition.
The 26-year-old is a key member of the French national side and his increasing influence has helped Atletico Madrid in recent seasons too.
His performances during last summer's European Championships earned him the accolade for the tournament's best player, while his work-rate, attacking movement and clinical finishing have been praised.
Due to his indifferent start to the new campaign, Griezmann has been linked with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano. He'll be hoping to get his future sorted out as soon as possible so he can get back to his devastating best - despite finishing 18th in the Ballon d'Or voting this time around, he will remain a strong contender for future years.
#1 Neymar Jr - Paris Saint-Germain:
The poster boy of world football, Neymar Jr tops this list. The Brazilian finished third in the latest edition of the accolade this term, having joined the Ligue 1 giants for a world-record £198m from Barcelona this past summer.
When on form, Neymar is simply a joy to watch.
The 25-year-old was reportedly unsettled at Barcelona towards the end of his tenure in Spain, despite flourishing in a team alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Súarez.
Some of the game's legends have all tipped him to achieve legendary status before he eventually hangs up his boots, including Xavi, Ronaldinho, Zico, Ronaldo and Pele.
Pele himself has previously said that Messi isn't better than Neymar, who was only 20 at the time and explained why his decision to join PSG was a good one.
Having captained his side to Olympic gold last summer, his wide range of qualities sets him apart from other players aspiring to be the world's best. Dribbling, acceleration, intelligent movement and finishing all help combine to make him the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or in future years to come.
