ESPN FC reveals their 2018 Ballon d’Or winner | FIFA

Shaka Hislop, Craig Hurley and the ESPN FC crew counts down their picks for the top 10 to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or.
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[@martintort9307]

6 years straight top goal scorer in the champions League CR7 the resume speak for itself

[@spike691]

Bro he is robbed...FIFA gave Ballon D'or to Luka😭😭😭

[@peaceluver2126]

@Zlatan what was Raul's highest goal Count in a UCL campaign?

[@lewi6383]

@@spike691 penaldo robbed ribbery in 2013😂😂

[@goood4944]

@El Bicho The GOAT lol penaldo fan, that year messi has more goal than Ronaldo and more assist, but he got 5th that year 😂😂 there's no point in assuming g/a will give u ballondor

[@fearlessthegoat]

I rather have Ronaldo or Messi win anyone else winning will be out of pocket

[@Samsonmanase]

Fearlessthegoat facts ! Nobody else carried they team this season besides those two!

[@grimmreaper1012]

@Kaydzy what did salah win ????

[@mohakgogia7699]

@Kaydzy lol now blame karius forever and Don't accept your defeat

[@salhyd8969]

Loads of respect for Modric and Messi for their great seasons, but I think the winner deserves to be Ronaldo. Fantastic UCL performance yet again, carried his team in World Cup and an overall good La Liga campaign.

[@therock3640]

SPECIALLY SCORING 4 GOALS IN 4 MATCHES IS ALSO A GREAT RATIO FOR THE World Cup. HE DESERVED IT...

[@insideinside9450]

shut up about la liga this guy called suii is a mug and was carried by that real madrid midfield. the midfielders were better than ronaldo in la liga and i don't care who want's to say what yes modric was better than ronaldo for the most part of the season. Yes ronaldo scored goals but when you get a midfield creating chances a whole lot of chances you are going to score. For context look at madrid vs liverpool the other day it was thanks to modric and kroos even casemiro they won the game.

[@corncurles6118]

@@insideinside9450 scored more goals and more assists so.....

[@MM-yt5hl]

@@corncurles6118 messi had goals and assists than Ronaldo that year so....

[@wajahatmahira2884]

@@MM-yt5hl ronaldo has 48 goals In 48 games.. messi 46 goals In 58 games... so

[@subhosdg7126]

This was the true, I absolutely hate modric bcz of the balon d'or, if ronaldo would have won it in 2018 and he had 6 balon d'or and messi would have tied it next year it won't have been no cool underestimate ronaldo as he has less balon d'or than messi, but bcz of this everyone does it nowadays. 😞😞

[@josephvernon21]

😂

[@animexcorp]

This shows the big impact ronaldo brings to the team this year, real madrid, portugal and juventus that even these pundits (obviously they hate ronaldo) admit that ronaldo deserve to win

[@estonkagota1454]

Real Madrid have won the UCL without him😂😂

[@binding_exit1213]

​@@estonkagota1454bro just how much dementia do you have ronaldo won the champions league with real madrid in 2018 and he was in real madrid and they won it with him.and they won it without him in 2022 after 4 years and won it because benzema was in his prime and they luck was a very big factor those 2 goals by rodrygo in 2 minutes in the semi finals against man city in the last minutes where real madrid onoy had a 1% chance of winning it shows rodrygo entering in high time and delivering was somewhat purely derived from the tension that man city gave real madrid. And they next year after 2018 they had everyone except ronaldo and they lost in the round of 16 no excuse for that ronaldo would have crushed ajax if he was at real madrid just as he did with wolves in 2016

[@darkbinina4618]

As a cr7 fan I'd rather see messi win it than modric bc it's a disgrace I love modric but cr7 is the one who carried madrid in the ucl not him

[@Losblancostalk]

I hate when people say carried it's a team sport not track and field..u can't win without a team...Ronaldo was just important player and our best but u got to work together to win..stop with ur bull shit

[@aranyaism]

@@Losblancostalk Mate. I dont like ronaldo but he's the reason you won. He been top scorer for 6 years in a row in UCL and remember before he came to real madrid you were getting eliminated in the round of 16. Every year.

[@Losblancostalk]

@@aranyaism Read what I said then reply to me...Of course Ronaldo was a big part..but so was bale Benzema and the others..infact bale and benz scored in the final..so yea u need a team to win..give the others credit too..it's not a one man sport

[@aranyaism]

@@Losblancostalk LOL. Theyre all shit. Look where you are now. Your finished. Your greatest ever player. Your top scorer and assister ever has left you. 2009-2012 ronaldo used to deliver about 20 crosses every match and benzema used to miss chances.

[@Losblancostalk]

@@aranyaism don't mean to reply twice but I gotta state this Madrid won a UCL in 2002..Ronaldo came in 2009..he won his first UCL with Madrid in 2014..so thats 5 years with him without a UCL title..so ur point totally wrong..cuz u said before he came..UCL u can't win it every year..well Madrid was the anomaly

[@saransaran5487]

i love the line 'Don't you dare to put Modric at no 1'

[@benjaminmelvin5601]

Yet they robbed him. Fifa is Corrupt. Look at what they did to Lewandowski. But let me tell you guys. Cr7 is a Legend ever to play the beautiful game. Hero

[@c-town4573]

(Goal contributions) Messi 63 Ronaldo 52 (Goals) Messi 51 Ronaldo 49 (Assists) Messi 26 Ronaldo 13 (Hat-tricks) Messi 5 Ronaldo 3 (Penalties) Messi 2 Ronaldo 9 (Free Kicks) Messi 10 Ronaldo 1 (Outside box goals) Messi 5 Ronaldo 2 (Successful dribbles) Messi 222 Ronaldo 53 (Key passes) Messi 104 Ronaldo 53 (Big chances created) Messi 33 Ronaldo 13) (Man of the match) Messi 28 Ronaldo 11 (Shots on target) Messi 120 49% Ronaldo 111 42% (Ronaldo had 19 more shots less goals) (Shots per goal) (Average match rating) Messi 8.36 Ronaldo 8.03 As you can see messi was better than Ronaldo the only thing was Ronaldo was better than messi at is penalties and headers

[@jizzbunker6974]

@@c-town4573 also show who played more matches messi at best was no.3

[@goatstatusj5112]

@Zidanee how was robbed . Individual performance. Messi Toped Ronaldo that year. But then again why will I waste time. Arguing against stupidity

[@brandanpereira4605]

@@goatstatusj5112 if think in that way.. Lewandowski shuld have won it in 2021

[@brandanpereira4605]

@@c-town4573 dribbles won't help u to win ballon dor... . Outside the box won't help u to win a ballon dor... Goal contribution won't help u to win ballon dor.... Half of things u stated wont help u to win a dor.. Lol and even u know that..... 🤣🤣 Cr7 deserved it more than anyone

[@Toshirozawa]

"Defenders never get any love." Truer words have never been spoken.

[@adrianadegbesan7780]

Messi undoubtedly deserves the Ballon d’or. The ballon d’or is for the best player in a year. Not the best player in a tournament of 7 games. No one comes to close to the level of consistency, ability and absurdity that Messi has demonstrated over the last 11 years. Even if Messi doesn’t win it doesn’t change the fact no one is on his level. CR7 is also one of the best players of all time and if Messi doesn’t win the ballon d’or then Ronaldo should. No one else even touches those two. The fact that FIFA and France Football have gotten sick of their duopoly that they’re now being biased against them is horrendous. Football is a team sport, it’s teams that win trophies together not one player. The Ballon d’or is an individual award and shouldn’t be given for what team trophies were won but by the individual performance of a player and that alone. Modric was good in the World Cup but you can’t just go off that and say he is the best player in the world. He does not touch Messi and Ronaldo on any day and one can argue that KDB and Kante are better midfielders than him. I personally believe Hazard was the best player at the World Cup as he was consistently unbelievable in every single match, if Belgium reached the final, Hazard would have gotten the recognition he deserves. Croatia got an easy run to the final, dispatching both Denmark and Russia on Penalties and England in extra time. When they met France, a truly powerful team they got taught a proper footballing lesson. Modric was great but multiple factors need to be put into consideration. Messi is human in the end and Argentina is just way too below standard, people can’t expect miracles from him every time. Portugal just wasn’t strong enough to beat a team like Uruguay. Why don’t people start looking at players for just their individual performances than what they won or where they got to in a competition. It was like that before but not anymore. Truly disheartening

[@joshuaguevara1309]

Adrian Adegbesan I agree too many people are trying to push them out pretending to be unbiased but they are still clearly ahead of anyone

[@nicolasskec6044]

You are totally and 100% right mate, messi and ronaldo have demonstrated over the years how far away they are in terms of consistency, precision, creativity in the field as well as pure understanding of the game, by far the best players this era has to offer. In my opinion the media nowadays are trying to came up with reasons to take them down just because of pure corruption, its such a shame that there’re still many people who’s way of thinking its commanded by this guys who act like they know better instead of leaving it to us the real lovers of the sport

[@nipun6983]

Agree mate also messi La Liga 🏆 Copa del Rey 🏆 Spanish Super Cup 🏆 Europe's Top Scorer ⚽️ Europe's top assiter✅ Most goals Ucl in 2018✅ Most freekicks ✅ Most MOTM✅ Pichichi✅ European Golden Shoe✅ Alfredo Di Stéfano Trophy✅ 2x POTM 🐐

[@hugovazquez9496]

Ronaldo is better

[@RIP280HzPlays]

they are just trying to break the Messi and ronaldo domination and are giving to someone else just because they want to see someone new and will give the award to someone else who don't deserve the award

[@nabamyaro9716]

This vedio is 100%showing the truth accordingly to this year performance and achievements

[@williamlevy1981]

He's still the BEST. Without a doubt.

[@yato4997]

When even ESPN who put Messi as the goat know Ronaldo deserves the bd'or this year. Best by far in the UCL, 2nd best in Liga, and a good WC.

[@marnungsangimsong4619]

@@1louis941 he is saying individually ... Ballon d'Or is about individual performance not as a team .

[@1louis941]

@@marnungsangimsong4619 Biiiippppp ! You can't possibly do a great world cup if you're eliminated in the round of 16... you can do "great" group stage at max but not even a good WC ! You have to go at least to the semi-finals to pretend having been "great" in a WC... that's it !

[@lucapeluso7592]

@@1louis941 4 matches and 4 goals is very good WC

[@jizzbunker6974]

@@1louis941 It wasn't his fault if he didn't get any support from the team

[@sargentobertram5555]

Don't mind me just laughing at the kids battling each other lol

[@papamalickndour8851]

We were actually robbed in 2018 ffs

[@jesusisthegreatestever8593]

I highly agree that CR7 will win ballon d’or there’s no question but to put Modric over Messi?!? Lmaooo and I’m not even a Messi fan but this that bullshit wtf

[@pervaiziqbal5112]

True messi second ronaldo first

[@jaranis9273]

@@pervaiziqbal5112 yeah but 2019 was messi's night...

[@jizzbunker6974]

@@jaranis9273 yes I being a Ronaldo fan agree 2019 was Messi's but this was daylight robbery

[@madddogg]

ESPN finally getting something right.

[@awesomehuman277]

"Don't dare put Luka Modric in no1, come on" - Craig Hurley Rightly said, Ronaldo and Messi deserves to be at the top 2 positions. You can't simply blind yourself with emotions and chose Modric for the 1st place, just because the "Media World or the MARKET" wants to see a new face at the top. No offence to Luka Modric, he had an incredible season, but the Ballon D'or is for the best individual performer cumulatively throughout the year. Modric played a vital role for Real Madrid, winning the Champions League and then taking his national team to the final of World Cup along with the help of his other underappreciated team mates: Rakitic, Lovren, Mandukic, Perisic. After the world cup, he is no where to be seen. A tournament of 7 matches can't completely decide the award for the best player. Messi, meanwhile was brilliant for the club. At the beginning of the season, without Neymar, when no one thought of anything positive, then came Messi, taking all the responsibilities and won the Spanish League and Kings Cup for Barcelona. Only thing blotted in Messi's graph for the last season was his performance in two of the very vital matches: 3-0 defeat against Roma and 3-0 defeat against Croatia. Messi performed below his standards in the world cup, though we can say, that the Argentine team didn't help him much. There didn't seem to be any link up between him and his team mates most of which was the result of absurd tactics and gameplay by Sampaoli. Now comes the case for Cristiano Ronaldo. He scored 15 Champions League Goals, which significantly helped Real Madrid to lift the coveted trophy for the 3rd consecutive time. Since Jan, 2018 till the end of La Liga season, he scored 22 goals and prevented Madrid to sit out of the top 4. He performed well in the World Cup with 4 goals which lasted short as Portugal was out in the Round of 16 by a narrow margin of 1-2 defeat by Uruguay. Individually, Cristiano came to a new league(Italian League), which is considered to be a tough place for strikers and since then he has been performing consistently at a very high level. So far he has 9 goals and 5 assists in his new season. So, logically and rationally, it has to be Cristiano Ronaldo to win the ballon D'or with Messi in the second place. Giving Modric the ballon D'or, would show that, how blinded we are and how the overflow of sympathy and emotions snatches the concept of logic from all the choices and decisions which we occasionally make.

[@jj6392]

There is no way after last season, can you "logically" put ronaldo ahead of messi. That is just pure lunacy. Messi far more consistent, more individual honors including pichihi and European golden boot, la liga and copa, without losing a single game in la liga. ronaldo? for what exactly? yes he scored 15 ucl goals but was no where to be seen in the semis and final. la liga? don't even talk about it, they finished 15 points behind barca. world cup? 4 goals yes but went out at the same stage messi went out, his goals contributed to nothing essentially. Serie A? so your going to give him the most undeserving ballon of all time because he goes to the most dominant team in Italy and scores 10 goals in 16 games against second rate teams? pure delusion. what about messi this season? more goals in the ucl and league. if we are talking "logically and rationally" then Messi from an individual standpoint on last season and the start of this season, is ahead of ronaldo by MILES. there is no metric that suggests ronaldo should be ahead of messi. none what so ever. stop pushing this fake narrative because come January, modric or messi will be lifting the ballon with ronaldo a distant 3rd.

[@jj6392]

@@VillA910 your comment is uneducated and foolish. Messi hasn't shined with Argentina? oh yeh, he's done more for Argentina than ronaldo has for Portugal. Top scorer, world cup final, world cup player of the tournament and is much more important for Argentina then ronaldo is for Portugal. Let me guess, the euros which ronaldo "won"? firstly he didn't even play in the final and they shouldn't of even got out of the group stage but for special "rules" that year. look the most likely scenario is that modric is taking the ballon home. You can have a player win fifa player of the year and UEFA best player then not give him the ballon. it's all but garunteed but for the sake of logic, messi had a better INDIVIDUAL year than all of them and that is what the award should be about. if ronaldo wins, which he won't then there is going to be a major uproar over that award because if he does, it will be even more undeserved than his last one and will show that all it takes is marketability. The award has become a joke with ronaldos last 2 wins and giving it to modric is the only outcome that will save it.

[@jj6392]

@Hugo Retamoza been watching football far longer than you clearly. you know what's more rediclous? crediting a player who didn't play in the final with a euro trophy in a year his team shouldn't have qualified from the group stage. nah no fan boy, just somone who is sick of ronaldo being given undeserving ballon dors and being compared to a player who is light years ahead of him. its absolutey farcical. you ronaldo fan boys cling to delusion is fucking cringe worthy and you idiots can only dream of ronaldo making the semi final of a world cup let alone the final. gtfo with your shit narratives.

[@agentleman1498]

@@jj6392 they have 100% accurate stats bro don't cry now ronlado has overtaken Messi now Messi has to win one more to level this

[@hammasdadani5247]

Ronaldo has better goal ratio than Messi 2017-2018 Messi 45 goals 54 games Ronaldo 54 goals 55 games

[@therock3640]

@@IroonieLA I thin for Ronaldo it was 44 and for Messi it was 45 but Ronaldo had less games.

[@tfergysiame2528]

Cr7 for the ballon d'or 👌🏿👌🏿🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@taijibahmed1818]

Psych wrong number 😂

[@jizzbunker6974]

I am from the future he was robbed

[@cobimoltzon7218]

Look if Messi wins the Champions League he’ll be the best player in the world. But Ronaldo has won it again for the third time in a row and he deserves it more than any other player. He had a good World Cup performance, and as well with his new club Juventus he by far deserves it. Keep in mind too Messi is injured and has missed a good portion for the rest of the year.

[@karingahezron2454]

says a penaldo fan boy

[@RIP280HzPlays]

@@karingahezron2454 why are you saying penaldo can't call him just by his real name. I never call messi with some other name because I respect him too. trying giving respect to other players too. Don't try to change someone else opinion. You can have your and I can have mine. It doesn't make the two players bad.

[@sham5193]

Good WC Performance ???only against spain ,his good WC Performance bring his team just to KO stage ,Messi Good WC Performance bring his team to finals

[@vb2388]

Definitely not a good WC performance...he was horrible against Iran and Uruguay..

[@cliffordthebigreddawg8088]

As a Barca fanatic I think some one else should win it other than Messi and Ronaldo. But if it comes down between them I think it should be Messi. League titles require more consistency than CL. Even though CL feels more rewarding. Madrid was playing shit whole year and still is. They rode their luck in the CL. Plus the message that would be sent is that League titles don't matter.

[@johnnysins9054]

My top 3 would be in no order Messi, Ronaldo, Paulinho

[@lblanc8107]

Fellaini?

[@fadafoot3004]

Some one need to take your phone bro

[@d1zabledfin613]

I'm gau

[@fadafoot3004]

You a batty man

[@sabeel007m]

Y paulinho ? Is he a friend of urs ?

[@praneshtamang5441]

Ronaldo Truely Deserve Ballon dor 2018.

[@antonyvilson8973]

As a ronaldo fan I'm really surprised with these standings because they always hated Cr7.

[@zakariadjouzi7570]

that's a lie

[@erockthehorse]

Yeah but more than that how TF is varane in 5th

[@carljcmjk8609]

All kids think messi is better coz they don’t really kno and understand football . Someone that’s seasoned n watch games would tell you ronaldo . Am for ronaldo

[@JerryLlaniguezGaboArtworks]

Its not hate but the reality....

[@wolvesbane1748]

@@carljcmjk8609 all Ronaldo can do is score..he has no variety to his game...only kids think Ronaldo is better tbh

[@adityachatta361]

As a Messi fan , I'd rather see Ronaldo win the ballon'dor over modric.

[@varunsrajan]

if its not messi it rather be varane coz you already lost the point of the award by not giving it to the best.

[@SDFutureMusic]

@@varunsrajan No no , get lost ! The main comment has no problems with it .

[@marnungsangimsong4619]

@@varunsrajan varane???? Seriously???

[@kimng333]

@@varunsrajan I know right, the Ballon d’Or has lost all meaning. All those years they gave it to either Messi and Ronaldo when neither deserved to win it more than once. The Ballon d’Or should be given to a player who has outperformed throughout the year not just a couple of games. Messi doesn't deserve to win it because he hasn't done anything. He couldn't do anything for Argentina, and when he was injured, Barcelona kept on winning. He comes back and they loose. What does this show? It shows that he is absolutely useless. Yes he is a great player, one of the best, but he doesn't deserve to win.

[@adeniyi5366]

@Kimng you are a big fool if your analysis of the barca betis game is that Messi came back and they lost. That's such a stupid thing to say. Dude scored two goals and was involved in the third and he was coming back from Injury. Defence connived with Ter Stegen to gift Betis three goals out of the 4 they scored. At least have sense when you talk, else keep your trap shut son.

[@5000subsnovideo]

My Top 3 is(not in order) Ronaldo, Messi, Yamcha.

[@wagoomagoo7]

Yamcha

[@wagoomagoo7]

Krillin>

[@outcast_mystic]

Goku>

[@wagoomagoo7]

@@outcast_mystic factually

[@crowave8399]

People were asking who is beter: Messi or Ronaldo Now they ask Modric or Ronaldo

[@obeneyongstandly6848]

Who is better now in 2019 : Messi or van dijk

[@rizwanrizz1940]

@@obeneyongstandly6848 😂😂😂 well said

[@edwisongogo6326]

@@obeneyongstandly6848 now Messi stands alone in comparison.

[@rhondolms5317]

Stupid comment ever

[@edwisongogo6326]

@Mike Banning I was talking about the ballon d'Or, it still hasn't changed and won't in a very long time... He stands alone both in the ballon d'Or and the history of the game, case closed.

[@256Face]

It's time to finally agree that Cr7 is the best player in the world.

[@rodsstart3444]

B.B 4 TheBànk not yet before ronaldo get the next ballon dior

[@erikreyes2831]

Major B 4 TheBànk no maybe the last season that was he’s best season ever but not in the world and in this season messi is going to win

[@Im-xj1kt]

Messi is the best ever

[@edwisongogo6326]

Ronaldo is a machine a true Machine, a freak of nature, he truly and without Doubt the closest thing to Lionel Messi.

[@fabiankellquist4630]

@@rodsstart3444 Woops, Ronaldo did not get the award, and Messi got the 2019. And is favourite for 2021. So Messi 7, Ronaldo 5.

[@IFS138]

Guys let's vote for for cr7 he deserves

[@edwisongogo6326]

🤣🤣🤣

[@sosa_2488]

Edwison Gogo nice emojis that have no meaning

[@edwisongogo6326]

@@sosa_2488 you doolbox it's called laughing rolling on the floor emojis, it's used in response to something funny like Akhil's Comment, it's not rocket science.

[@sosa_2488]

Edwison Gogo I’m guessing you’re the only one that find some sort of humor into that

[@kushalneupane6841]

1st video I liked from Espn.

[@harshaansinghh]

Griezmann >~ messi ~ ronaldo > mbappe ~ modrić > salah.. this should have been the actual ranking And stop saying ronaldo deserved the ballon d'or, Ronaldo:- 59 G/A in 51 games (4 G/A in 4 games in WC), won UCL, UCL top scorer, 3rd in laliga (20 points behind barca), Messi:- 72 G/A in 61 games (3 G/A in 4 games in WC), won Laliga, won CDR, spanish supercup, quater finals in UCL, European golden boot, Griezmann:- 53 G/A in 62 games, won UEL, won Uefa supercup, UEL best player, won World cup(6 G/A in 7 games) 2nd in laliga (ahead of rma by 3 points). Please anyone explain how ronaldo deserved the ballon d'or?

[@harshaansinghh]

@Zidane Gormandy clearly you are a deluded fanboy🤣🤡🤡🤡

[@bipuldebbarma2154]

CR7 truely Deserved it

[@HIJT2FAUTIKA]

Messi deserved it more imo

[@HIJT2FAUTIKA]

@Rehaan Aamir yep he does. Messi out performed Ronaldo completely

[@HIJT2FAUTIKA]

@artist who? You?

[@fabiankellquist4630]

@Rehaan World cup was 4 G/A for both Messi and Ronaldo. And La liga is 38 games, UCL is 13. La liga is just as big as UCL. And both are team performences.

[@sebastianperez4438]

Messi and Ronaldo should be sharing the 1st and 2nd place vice versa. Luka is sensational, but not as phenomenoms as Messi and Ronaldo.

[@wajahatmahira2884]

Roanldo was better than messi that year cause he edged it In world cup too.

[@DeletoMui]

@@wajahatmahira2884 Messi had Most goals and most assist that year ???

[@josefoof1175]

@@DeletoMuithey had similar amount of goals

[@tarandeepkaurraj4891]

Ronaldo deserve to win 🏆

[@khajuraoo]

I agree, all the rankings are very accurate!

[@Prince-qr1te]

what people fail to realise is one has to consider how each player who is a candidate performed with his club and his country. Having said this lets look at some of the candidates. Messi: He had a good year with FC Barcelona, winning the Copa del Rey, La liga and Super Copa España and clinching a record fifth European golden boot but he had a poor world cup with Argentina who barely escaped the group stages and suffered a round of 16 exit. so he is not a favourite. Cristiano Ronaldo: He had a good season with Real Madrid winning a record fifth champions league and coming only second to Messi in goalscoring with 44 goals. He went on to Russia and had a blistering start at the world cup, scoring the only hat trick of the tournament. But Portugal would suffer a round of 16 exit, disappointing for the reigning champions of Europe. Since then he's had a record setting start with Juventus in Series A but his performance with his country will hold him back. Luka Modric: Modric had an all round impressive year. He helped Real Madrid to a third champions league title as an integral part of their squad. He then went on to Russia and captained Croatia, leading his team to their first ever World Cup final. For this he won FIFA's best men's player award and rightfully so. Kylian Mbappe: Mbappe failed to impress in the champions league, suffering a round of sixteen exit with PSG. He was an integral part however of the French giants Ligue 1 campaign, winning four trophies in total. Many have critiqued him for playing in an 'easy league'. This notion is laughable as Ligue 1 is one of the top 5 European leagues and beating any 1 'easy team' can be overlooked but consistently besting different teams in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe is impressive no matter what. He then went on to become a top golden boot contender at the World Cup and played a large role in his nation becoming world champions making him a favourite. Salah: He had a phenomenal season with Liverpool, picking up the EPL golden boot though he failed to win the league. He also made it to the champions league final but the Liverpool finals curse would not be broken. Salah's injury would arguably cost Liverpool and lead him to only being able to play one game in the World Cup, leading to an unsurprising group stage exit for Egypt. The point is when all factors are considered Modric and Mbappe are the favorites and rightfully so.

[@TheFinesser99]

*Why don’t people understand the ballon do’r 2018 is for who played the best in 2018? Idc if Messi and Ronaldo were the best in the past 10 years but if a player did better than then in 2018 then he deserves to be ahead*

[@fabianthompson5422]

Modric didn't play better than cr7

[@joshuaguevara1309]

The Finesser no one was better than them in 2018

[@isidritoaltamirano7079]

Sorry chief but all the players besides messi and Ronaldo ain't it

[@advenco344]

You're exactly right, which is why Salah is head and shoulders above them and SHOULD win the balon d'or but we know FIFA is corrupt and won't even put him in the top 3.

[@footballclub2692]

Absolutely true, but Ronaldo was the best this season.

[@cr7thegoat927]

This is why I love espn fc its true who deserves Ballon D Or

[@prefersongs1666]

first change your username you idiot... don't overrated any player so much .. god will burn you in hell

[@isidritoaltamirano7079]

@@prefersongs1666 he is free to have his own opinion so what, I agree with him aswell but that's just my opinion buddy, oh and Messi is also a goat because that little man is a magician

[@danieladebusuyi9436]

I'm a Barcelona fan and a Messi fan but honestly , Ronaldo does deserve it .....his performance in the World Cup and champions league (towards the end ) was really really outstanding.....messi can't win it every year you know , I mean there was a time he won it thrice in a row and Ronaldo didn't win it ........messi does seem to have picked form again tho , I hope he wins the champions league this season

[@miguelchavezjr3664]

"4"

[@randomsnaps5912]

on what basis do you assign the points ?

[@aaliyanpirbhai7185]

Messi should have won , 51 goals and almost 30 assists

[@raaheelaamir]

CR7 should have won. Performed much better in UCL and world cup

[@ernestoespinal9722]

Let’s vote for Messi to win the ballon dor he is the goat🐐

[@fcbarcelonaakapsg9186]

How do u vote☑☑

[@tejasmohite2651]

Only the French vote , its their award

[@aravindajith5971]

Bro as a neutral messi played really well this season but ronaldo was slightly better. He played well for his club(JUVE and madrid) and country. And saved them single handedly many times if anyone deserves it this year its ronaldo. and of course I would give it to messi rather than modric that's a fact.

[@arindamsinha6091]

@@aravindajith5971 can you show some example? Ronaldo carried Madrid??? Stop hyping him so much. Check those stats of Messi to cristiano than compare. Of course Messi doesn't need stats to prove. Also, Cristiano was nowhere near consistent in la liga, disappeared ( against Bayern both legs and in final ). And then he scored a hattrick against Spain and all his entire fanboys start hyping him. What's wrong with people. I am not sure you people even watch football. Modric was the most consistent player for madrid in la liga, the best player in club world cup, and the best player in fifa world cup. But, no Modric isn't that good. I would be happy if Modric/Messi win as they deserve. But it would be utterly shameful if Cristiano wins.

[@Shipdacheese]

Messi showed everybody that Barcelona can do just fine without him. 5-1 against RM, Inter Barca 1-1. In fact, Barcelona's loss, came after Messi came back at the team after his injury. In the last 8 years, Barca playing without Messi: 61 games 6 losses. In the last 3 months, RM playing without CR7: 14 games, 6 losses. Messi is simply just an overhyped football player, possibly the most overrated of all time!

[@nabamyaro9716]

This man is very honest man,I totally agree with him as per this year performance and achievements

[@nachuthekkil9369]

That man against messi...all time...any debate...

[@-VaLMG-]

SIIIUUUUU AND LET THE FANS SCREAM IT!! Cr7 for Bllndor18

[@alongMr.everything]

We all know that ESPN FC doesn't like Cristiano... We all know that they prefer Messi above Cristiano always... So when we see them ranking Cristiano above Messi.. We all know that they are right.

[@marnungsangimsong4619]

Exactly 😂😂😂

[@marnungsangimsong4619]

Man Ur the only person in this comment section taking right .

[@thecurious926]

They are delusional and have forgetful memory. Where was ronaldo in la liga last season. Lost by 15 pts.

[@alongMr.everything]

@@thecurious926 like they said if Ronaldo wasn't in the squad, Real Madrid doesn't win the Champions league but if Modric wasn't in the squad they still winning the the Champions league. And Ronaldo had an amazing performance in the world cup... Modric was just the best player from the underdog team. And if you're talking about Messi... Where was Messi when they got knocked out in the Champions league.

[@thecurious926]

@@alongMr.everything where was ronaldo when they were losing to shit teams like girona. Messi screwed up one game . He didnt do that bad on even tha one. Every ronaldo game is him underperforming and then scoring a goal makes it decent. Ronaldo has very few outstanding games like the 1st leg vs juventus. Messi has very few non-outstanding games.

[@edymihalescu1482]

1. Karius 2. Karius 3. Karius 4. Karius 5. Karius 6. Karius 7. Karius 8. Karius 9. Karius 10. Karius

[@TopOfSports]

Analysis (statistics)Who will win ? → kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJrOnWyIptKqZ5I

[@georgep811]

Ronaldo 100% deserves it he’s the greatest ever and has had a phenomenal year once again.

[@theshah7207]

Wow I think they were all high Messi is the best player in the world by far

[@cythegrate9989]

He wasn't when he dissappeared for Argentina in the WC, for Barcelona when they choked against Roma... how tf are you people STILL not getting that?

[@mahiii913]

Yea but its a player's overall performance in the year that matters... And Messi didnt had a good year

[@akshaychauhan5919]

@@cythegrate9989 How about Ronaldo choking in the WC (except one match against Spain), in the semis and final of Champions League, and choking in La Liga.???

[@cythegrate9989]

@@akshaychauhan5919 scoring the majority of the goals for your team is considered choking... got it, imbecile.

[@chris.7572]

Actually you are high.. seems like u forgot pessi performance

[@sadhanjamatia1955]

I am so happy about this ESPN NEWS AND I even cried.

[@AnkCaravan]

Yeah perfect

[@jr3624]

How TF is mbapee on top 5?!

[@cythegrate9989]

Best young player of the WC, a WC winner, scoring in the WC Final which is something Messi's never done and if I'm correct STILL won Ballon d'Or that year, and a domestic league champion.... he did more than each one of the top 3 sooooo yea.

[@almalayuwiyyah2512]

when mbappe helping monaco to ucl semifinal. he is in 7th place of ballon dor

[@footballclub2692]

Should be 4!

[@krishtiansev8652]

I really feel and hope it's ronaldo. The last time I watched serie A was MORE than 10 years ago. Now I'm watching every match. It has to be ronaldo for the win

[@hamzaabumatar5437]

I cant belive people are saying the messi deserves it he litrrally dont nothing but help argentina in the wc

[@kaustubhi5318]

People saying Modric is shit just watch a clip of his world cup 2018.The way he orchestrates players on the pitch,his command on ball,his tackling is just exceptional. The reason RMA are losing is due to shit Manager tactics and instructions given to him by manager. Modric plays CAM in croatia and thats the reason he dominates the field unlike as of NOW RMA where he is instructed to play CM.Modric really deserves this year balon d'or. Ronaldo only truly deserved PUSKAS but not this!!

[@carltonnajomo]

“SALAH FIVE” waaaaat😂😂😂

[@sagarprateek9216]

Ronaldo was completely robbed of the trophy. No doubt about it.

[@Stego1819]

Honestly winning the Ballon d'Or was never as easy as it is this year.

[@hemmatdahal]

That's perfect

[@ajankc8061]

messi messi messi always💕💕

[@OGzuzz]

@@leboss2172 learn english you dumb fuck😂😂😂

[@leonjicha9921]

I prefer Ronaldo but I'd rather Messi win it than Modric, because Modric just doesn't deserve it. I don't get where that whole hype comes from. Messi did his thing in the league again, top goal scorer in europe and ronaldo was top scorer in ucl again and moved to italy and now is top scorer (goals+assists) again, in a new league, there's once again no one close to what these two have done last year. Modric is a great player, but the best in the world? No way

[@rohaanmalik2980]

Same here Messi fan but rather have Ronaldo win than modric

[@ganeshroka345]

Yes this man deserve this....

[@striker7788]

Well said!!!

[@iKuchayHilal]

Cristiano was good in WC Better in La liga Best in UCL. He deserves it.

[@footballclub2692]

Excellent Hilal.

[@nabilali1009]

lmao better in la liga? messi got TWO domestic trophies FOR LA LIGA

[@user-ci5el9se9t]

Nabil Ali he got robbed in champions league and in World Cup he had only one goal.He was good only at la liga and copa del shit,and Ronaldo was the king of champions league again,second top scorer in word cup and second la liga top scorer.👑👑👑👑

[@joeyvanderwiel7712]

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA wasn't even the best during champions, wasn't even the top scorer in la liga. Not even the best in wc. Not even the best Spain. Not even the best in Real Madrid. LOOOOOL

[@sven1029]

@@user-ci5el9se9t Yes 2nd best top scorer in WC but didnt he score all the goals in group staged and 2 of them in 1 game? No other impact except goals

[@sourabhchouhan3217]

CR7 deserves it man!!

[@harshaansinghh]

Griezmann > ronaldo ~ messi > mbappe ~ modrić > salah.. this should have been the actual ranking And stop saying ronaldo deserved the ballon d'or, Ronaldo:- 59 G/A in 51 games (4 G/A in 4 games in WC), won UCL, UCL top scorer, 3rd in laliga (20 points behind barca), Messi:- 72 G/A in 61 games (3 G/A in 4 games in WC), won Laliga, won CDR, quater finals in UCL, European golden boot, Griezmann:- 53 G/A in 62 games, won UEL, won Uefa supercup, UEL best player, won World cup(6 G/A in 7 games) 2nd in laliga (ahead of rma by 3 points). Please anyone explain how ronaldo deserved the ballon d'or?

[@kobemeriez7860]

@@harshaansinghh What did Griezman do b4 the world cup and after the world cup tho? Ballon d'or counts the whole year not Part of the year lol

[@harshaansinghh]

@@kobemeriez7860 all the major tournaments were over by that time of the year ig lol. And if not griezmann, then who should have won acc to you??

[@kobemeriez7860]

@@harshaansinghh Ronaldo absolutely deserved it that year and the league starts after world cup what he shut down after the world cup? Then that isnt good enough 2018 was just a shitty year even messi came 5th that was totally bs 2nd or 3rd at best but Modric? He wasn't even the best player in Madrid nor Croatia Racitic Really carried Croatia More than modric

[@harshaansinghh]

@@kobemeriez7860 messi had a better 17/18 season and 2018 year than ronaldo. Even griezmann had a same start to 18/19 season as that of ronaldo but how somehow ronaldo deserved the ballon d'or🤣🤡. Modric winning it was an absolute robbery I agree.

[@lior995]

It is a shame that in reality Modrić won more points than Ronaldo and Messi combined

[@taekonea1145]

This is not a miss beuty competition this is Football!!

[@PaddyHackettYoutube]

10. Neymar 9. Griezzmann 8.hazard 7. Varane 6.kante 5.salah 4.messi 3.modric 2.mbappe 1.cr7

[@opioidaddiction3272]

I would bring Messi up, but good list

[@ishankhisti7456]

Mbappe ahead of Messi is a joke

[@misko693]

messi should be 1

[@dipaktwrii783]

Cr7 has great contribution to the Real madrid with 15 goal because messi has not score more than 14 goal in champoins league. Ronaldo wins champoins league too so . In laliga too he has second highest goal after messi and in world cup qualifications he has given 15 goals and in world cup 4 goals and also second highest goal and Ronaldo has lifted club world cup too so cr7 totally deserve balloon do'r . In puskas award he is being dominated all football fans were shocked about result of puskas award wish it will not Repeted in balloon do'r .At last i will like to say to #ESPN Ronaldo deserves 2018 balloon do'r. ⚽⚽⚽

[@bipasha3006]

Messi should be there... he deserves balon d'or more than anyone else...

[@porchheng]

Let’s go champ!!!!

[@Samsonmanase]

Ronaldo,Messi, Varane(cuz he won both team awards) ! Real soccer fans know Modric isn’t a top player 3 even in his own position

[@j_velazquez307]

"Real soccer" fans know it's called football

[@Ra81152]

The disrecpect on hazard WOW

[@footballclub2692]

He's top 5.

[@footballclub2692]

Better than Messi.

[@andrew2450]

exactly he dragged belgium to 3rd place at the world cup and he's 9th according to these clowns 😂😂😂😂😂 he should at least be 6th

[@jordymedina1874]

This man gets it

[@knownasL]

Absolutely agree on this. 100%.

[@AbdullahKhan-vd8pn]

Yes Cristiano Ronaldo Deserves Ballon Dor This Year 🔥🔥

[@celestinmeda3194]

Yes If things are clear

[@mithunp4440]

No...u r speaking in a view as a cr7 fan. ronaldo dosent deserves it this time.

[@obedsalmeron7075]

MSTG leaked modric won it

[@remypereira3096]

🙅‍♂️

[@bindusreejith5302]

Yes

[@teenentertainingtech6823]

Messi will win it

[@nickiaryee-annan6626]

TEEN ENTERTAINING TECH He doesn’t deserve it

[@Shakirbindahir1998]

Both messi and ronaldo were not in the list according to a leaked report.

[@teenentertainingtech6823]

@@nickiaryee-annan6626 why...why...tell myy whyy..Messi go the most goals and most assists..

[@zes3542]

@@nickiaryee-annan6626 he indeed does deserve it.

[@nickiaryee-annan6626]

TEEN ENTERTAINING TECH Salah got more Goals and Assist then Modric, does that mean Salah deserved it more then Modric? Stats aren’t everything

[@dhawalama5801]

Absolutely right

[@clashwithsuman7581]

Cr7 ❤

[@charmcity9099]

CR7 deserves to win. Messi if not for Barcelona letting him down would have won. Mbappe deserves top 3 nomination, maybe even the chance to win. Modric wasn't even as good as Fernandinho, Kroos, Tolisso, KDB etc..... smh

[@hasanmujtaba5053]

Yesssssss! Proff Real is struggling without CR7.LUKA doesn't does anything

[@meesangknlepcha2318]

cr7 deserve ballon d'or 2018...bcoz we know he is the greatest of all time.

[@XxQuakeZxX]

Messi Deserved it imo. He played amazing all year. He has the most goals and assist in the top 5 league in Europe which is unbelievable. He won 3 trophies. Has the Most key passes and dribbles. He won the golden shoe and your telling me all this is not enough for him to win. Messi being ranked 5 is just stupid.

[@Bhartiya370]

Thnx espn...... It's not only for Cristiano Ronaldo... It's for billions of fan..... He deserves balon d, "or....

[@visionaryone5076]

Lol 😂

[@BryanRobson89]

MESSI #1 UNTIL THE DAY HE RETIRES, ITS UNAVOIDABLE, SORRY FOLKS!!

[@Shipdacheese]

Messi showed everybody that Barcelona can do just fine without him. 5-1 against RM, Inter Barca 1-1. In fact, Barcelona's loss, came after Messi came back at the team after his injury. In the last 8 years, Barca playing without Messi: 61 games 6 losses. In the last 3 months, RM playing without CR7: 14 games, 6 losses. Messi is simply just an overhyped football player, possibly the most overrated of all time!

[@user-ki6kf7sw8s]

Shipdacheese you’re an idiot if you’re going to judge a team by a few games. Try saying that last season, Barça suffered hell when Messi wasn’t performing or playing. On the other hand RM played very well in the CL, and even with Ronaldo they played horrible in la liga

[@Shipdacheese]

@@user-ki6kf7sw8s What did Barcelona suffer you idiot? When they lost the first game, they were already winners of LaLiga, there was no stake left to play for.

[@shantu5895]

@@user-ki6kf7sw8s how much dickhead can you be if Messi can't play then obviously the team will suffer coz the team goes to ten players

[@deep1002]

@@Shipdacheese Dude RM had a shit coach that time ffs. Now that he is gone look how good they are performing. May be penaldo is the most overrated player. Both had pretty similar WC .

[@dellclouds3090]

Im a CR7 fan, but putting the fan boy thing aside from what I've seen id say the top 5 is accurate. Nt sure about the bottom 5.

[@armouredpoop3760]

Where to vote

[@kenedylaishram510]

Absolutely Ronaldo deserves ballon d'or 2018👍👍....this is the most accurate rank...

[@realsushrey]

No not Ronaldo again. Dont you all get all this media drama...Atleast Modric will bring some fresh air in...If not for this year, for the amazing player he has been through out his career. Please not the dreaded R or M again.

[@TonyMV74]

Put the season stats up for Messi, Ronaldo, and Modric and see who the real winner is. Games Goals Assists Key Passes Titles

[@quickclutch332]

Messi’s World Cup performance was honestly pretty sad. Ronaldo played well in the World Cup, had some phenomenal games- like vs Spain- but overall was only above average. La Liga, Messi was more consistent, last season. If you count the whole year, however, Ronaldo competes- especially with what he’s doing at Juventus right now. Champions league- there’s no debate. Ronaldo won 3 in a row, and he always carries. 15+ goals every year. If you ask me, that tournament has much tougher competition than the World Cup, because of the country limitations. Obviously the World Cup is the most valuable trophy/achievement, but let’s be real nobody on France deserves the top 3 at all. So at the end of the day, I think this will be the last year Ronaldo wins a ballon d’or. For sake of irony, I had always hoped he’d retire with 7 of them, but from the looks of it, unless he can maintain his body like Lebron James, he’ll start to show his decline eventually. Messi will likely take 2019, but 2018 in my honest opinion goes to Cristiano Ronaldo.

[@rizwanrizz1940]

how you know messi will win 2019

[@bindusreejith5302]

Ronaldo dont have supporting players like suvas or cavni if ronaldo get players like that no one can stop him messi told that in a interveiw i support to ronaldo he is a good man

[@wachuwannado9250]

Give it to the guy who had the most goals, assists, successful dribbles, chances created and free kick goals. I mean after all, it is about individual performance isn't it..?

[@abhilash5009]

Messi fans crying after watching this

[@lorenzomunisami6083]

Nope not really... Cr7 will be crying after learning he ain't in the top 3 (he should be there) but we know how self centred he is

[@ripbelge1335]

@@lorenzomunisami6083 lol don't cry

[@ripbelge1335]

@KingOne in you dreams haha

[@miraj1010]

ronaldo fanboys must be masturbating to that list then 😂😂 wtf

[@SPIGERgames]

Messi doesnt need awards to know he is the G.O.A.T. the world knows it. Not like griezman and cr7 that need to tell to themselves they are the best. Pfff clowns if you ask me. Making publicity on their own to get picked as number 1. Thats why messi will always be no.1

[@Osowicks]

Messi fan boys upset over this LOL

[@mattcruse495]

I love dis The king #1

[@MohammadMalan]

One of the greatest dribblers One of the greatest passers One of the greatest goal scorer of all time .... NO PLAYER IS ON MESSI'S LEVEL #FACTS

[@shahla2906]

Yet ronaldo deserved 6 balon dors.

[@tevinstvalle8704]

Ronaldoooooooo

[@lexiehardy2626]

as much as i dont really like Ronaldo, i honestly think he deserves it. he's put a lot of effort in this season.

[@jaseemn.a1709]

Perfect

[@lawrencemicheal3591]

I love Real Madrid; my beloved club but if Ronaldo wins is still be happy. He did so much for the club and he deserves the recognition and I’d hope he gives love to real cause we haven’t forgotten his contributions. Hala Madrid y hala Ronaldo por vida