Here is our pick on who could walk away with the trophy:
The twenty three men shortlisted for the prestigious Ballon d’Or for the world player of the year award was announced on Tuesday. The winner will be announced on January 13 in Zurich. Here is our pick on who could walk away with the trophy:
Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
The Welsh forward is the only Englishman on the list and his 26 goals last season for Tottenham Hotspurs could have earned him this honour. Bale who became the highest paid player after his transfer to Real Madrid for 86m Euros can win the award going by his last year’s form.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Another Real Madrid player who could walk away with the award is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese won the award way back in 2008 but his lethal goal-scoring form for the Los Blancos last season can earn him another Ballon d’Or.
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)
French winger Franck Ribery was recently awarded Uefa’s Best Player in Europe for the 2012-13 season after helping his side the treble – the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup. Ribery is a number one contender to win the award after Messi and Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Winner for the past four years, Argentine and Barcelona superstar Leo Messi was part of the Barcelona team that triumphed in the La Liga last season. Messi, without a doubt, holds the ace of yet another Ballon d’Or.
Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
Winger Arjen Robben who scored the winning goal in the Champion League final can be the ‘dark horse’ in the race to land the coveted trophy.
