Ballon d'Or 2018: Ranking the top 5 contenders based on their performances during the year

Modified Oct 13, 2018 05:47 GMT

New Juventus signing - Cristiano Ronaldo

# 3. Luka Modric

Modric has had his most impressive year yet as a footballer

From a war-stricken refugee to a European football icon and eventually a FIFA Player Of The Year award winner, Luka Modric has climbed very high on the ladder of immortality this year and his inclusion on the list doesn't need much explanation.

The midfielder played influential roles to help Real Madrid conquer Europe once more during the previous campaign, dictating play from the middle of the pitch, elevating the level of his teammates as well as acting as the go-to-guy in Real Madrid's midfield.

The Croatian was also without doubts, the best player during the FIFA World Cup in Russia, carrying the burden of guiding an underdog nation on the prestigious stage and impressing with the role so much that he led his country into the final of the competition for the first time in their history as well as claiming the prestigious FIFA Golden Ball for his electrifying efforts in the tournament.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram