Top 5 contenders for the 2018 Ballon d'Or award excluding Messi and Ronaldo

#4 Raphael Varane

2018 remains the most successful year in the defender's career

When it comes to analyzing the achievements of players this term, only a few superstars can compare to the incredible exploits of the French defender, Raphael Varane. The 25-year-old has had his most successful year as a footballer, taking his game to a new level and accomplishing a lot of unbelievable achievements.

First, he had a great campaign at club level, helping Real Madrid to win the UEFA Champions League for a third consecutive year. He also produced a lot of rock-solid performances at the heart of the defense as France won the World Cup in Russia.

Having claimed both the European glory and global success, the France International is definitely one of the fierce aspirants to claim the Ballon d'Or award this year.