Top 5 candidates to win the Ballon d'Or in 2018

#1 - Lionel Messi:

Lionel Messi in the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015

By the time the award is handed to the new winner in 2018, it would have been three years since the last time that Lionel Messi was crowned as the world player of the year. However, it seems 2018 could finally signal his return to the throne, for quite possibly a record 6th Ballon d'Or victory.

Lionel Messi has been essential in helping FC Barcelona cruise their way to the leadership of the Spanish league this season. It is perhaps more relevant to add that the difference with arch-rivals Real Madrid is already 14 points.

With La Liga being pretty much in the bags, what is the next step for Lionel Messi? The answer is obvious. What the Argentinian magician has to do is to inspire Barça to the UEFA Champions League title, or Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup since 1986. That's gonna be easier said than done, but if Messi can help his club or country win either one of the two, then he would be the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or.

In case of Champions League triumph with Barça, only Neymar would realistically stand a chance to compete with Messi, and this is under one condition - that Brazil wins the World Cup.

One thing is for sure, the race for the Ballon d'Or in 2018 seems more exciting than it has been for quite a while now. Could Neymar finally end the dominance of Cristiano and Messi?