7 Footballers Who Would Have Won the Ballon d'Or if Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo Didn't Exist

Neymar (Barcelona/PSG & Brazil)

Paris Saint-Germain v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League

Neymar first played his way into Ballon d'Or contention during only his second season at Barcelona following a much talked about move from Santos. As a part of the deadly 'MSN' trio, he provided incredible flair with ruthless efficiency with 39 goals in all competitions.

In 2017, the Brazilian found new levels as a superstar and became the most expensive player in history when he completed a €222m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. It brought tremendous pressure, but he didn't let it hold him back and took France by storm.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid & France)

Real Madrid v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Final

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann was in the running for the Ballon d'Or in 2016 and is likely to be again in 2018. The 2015/16 campaign is still the most prolific of his career with 32 goals in all competitions as Atletico reached the Champions League final.

He couldn't inspire France to Euro 2016 glory that year, but he was a World Cup winner this year, having had another supreme season with Atletico that ended with continental success in the victorious Europa League final.