Ballon d'or 2018: The best XI to miss out

Centre-back: Gerard Pique (Spain/Barcelona)

Pique was one of the best defenders in the league last season

Whilst Sergio Ramos made the cut again, having captained Los Blancos to the Decimotercero earlier in the year, his Spanish centre-back partner bites the dust. Pique was overlooked in the nomination despite a convincing season with the Blaugrana at the back last term, helping them to another domestic double.

The Spaniard was central to one of the best defences in La Liga as he proved to be a hard nut to crack for the attackers with his timely interceptions and ferocious tackles. He offered no great shakes in Russian showpiece however, and hung up his Spanish boots after the tournament.

Centre-back: Samuel Umtiti (France/Barcelona)

Umtiti - the mortar to Pique's brick

Unlike his other French teammates, Umtiti was unfortunate not to be in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or. He was perennially present in Barcelona's backline whilst also proving to be crucial in France's victorious World Cup campaign. Umtiti even scored the winner in the semi-finals against Belgium. But he was outraced to the spot by his own teammate Varane.