7 Contenders for the Ballon d'Or

Number 1: Luka Modric

There could be no one else. What a year Luka Modric has had. A third consecutive Champions League crown with Madrid, followed by a stunning string of performances in the World Cup, with him leading underdogs Croatia to the finals in Moscow. This season has definitely cemented his position as the best midfielder in the world in his position and he also won the Golden Ball award at the World Cup. His status as the best player at the World Cup in Russia could also win him the status of 'Best Football Player on the Planet', symbolized by the Ballon d'Or. With a season like his, it's no surprise he's the favourite to lift the vaunted Trophy in Zurich next year.

Edited by Anirban Banerjee