Ballon d'Or 2022: Ranking the top 5 favourites - February 2022

#3 Kylian Mbappe (France/Paris Saint-Germain)

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Kylian Mbappe publicly admitted last summer that he wanted to leave Paris Saint-Germain and join Real Madrid. He revealed he was disappointed when PSG blocked his move in the summer of 2021. But has that affected his commitment to his current club and his performances?

Well, his numbers from this season will prove beyond doubt that it hasn't. Mbappe has once again been PSG's standout performer. With Lionel Messi struggling to find his groove and Neymar Jr. out injured, Mbappe has been PSG's leading light this season.

The 23 year old has already scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain in the ongoing season. Mbappe will be hoping for a long run in the Champions League and the World Cup as well. This could finally be his year.

#2 Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)

Leicester City v Liverpool - Premier League

Mohamed Salah is currently one of the most in-form players in the world of football. The Egyptian international has raised his game a notch this term and has simply been unstoppable for Liverpool.

The 29 year old is currently with the Egyptian national team at the African Cup of Nations 2021. They will go up against Cameroon on Friday in a bid to book their place in the final against Senegal. If Salah can win AFCON with Egypt, it will enhance his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this year.

He has already scored two goals and provided an assist in the continental competition. In 26 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool this season, Salah has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists.

#1 Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich)

Hertha BSC v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga

Bayern Munich's goalscoring machine Robert Lewandowski should have won at least one Ballon d'Or by now, according to a huge section of football fans. The Polish international has been in a league of his own in recent seasons and this campaign has been no different.

The 33 year old looks set to have yet another incredible season. He has already scored 34 goals and provided three assists in 28 appearances for the Bavarians this term. Lewandowski is the most prolific goalscorer in Europe's top five leagues.

Bayern Munich seem to be cruising to yet another Bundesliga title. A lengthy run in the Champions League and a good outing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup might just do the trick for Lewandowski this year as far as the Ballon d'Or is concerned.