When it comes to the world of football, there are dozens of amazing players fans get to enjoy watching. Although great footballers have been around since the beginning of the game, it really feels as if the game is bursting with stars at the moment. Almost all of the top teams in Europe have a player that could be considered world-class. However, when it comes to awards such as the Ballon D’or, there can only be one winner. Although it can be a hard thing to predict early, here is a list of some of the players who could be in the running for the award.
Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski will be a lot of people’s favorite to lift the award for 2022. However, it is a difficult thing to predict. If you were considering making a soccer bet, it might be best to look for different odds to bet on. Luckily there are sites like Odds Shark that provide all the soccer betting odds you’ll need to make an informed decision. However, it looks like it could be hard to look away from the Polish striker. Despite entering the later stages of his career, he looks as great as ever. Lewandowski continues to fire on all fronts for Bayern Munich, and it seems as if they are on their way to winning a Bundesliga title. If he is able to maintain his amazing goal scoring and has success with Bayern, there is no reason why he shouldn’t be picking up the award.
Mohamed Salah
The Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah perhaps didn’t get his 2022 campaign off to the best of starts. Despite good performances throughout the tournament, he was unable to lift the AFCON at the start of the year. However, that by no means indicates that he won’t still be a Ballon D’or contender. His form for Liverpool this season has been at such a high level. He is, without a doubt, one of the best in the world at the moment. If he is able to continue his good form and picks up some more trophies with Liverpool, then he could take that award.
Lionel Messi
Stats don’t tell you everything. That is certainly the case for Lionel Messi. Although his move to PSG might not have been as successful as many expected, he is still performing at an elite level. When you are so used to seeing Lionel Messi breaking goals and assists records, it can be a shock to see those numbers come down. However, his great performances for PSG have been critical in their title charge. Although the stats might not have you believe it, he is definitely still one of the best in the game.
Kylian Mbappe
PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe is really starting to live up to the hype. He has become more mature and well-rounded over recent years, solidifying himself as one of the best in the world. Mbappe is truly now one of the most exciting players in the world and is worth tuning in for. If he could have a successful world cup campaign for France, then he could really put some pressure on some of the other front runners in the Ballon D’or race. However, there is no doubt that this won’t be the last time that he competes for the award.
Kevin de Bruyne
Belgian playmaker Kevin de Bruyne is really a generational talent. He has been lighting up the Premier League and European stage for many years now and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. With a good start to the year, he truly looks like he is hitting his peak for Manchester City. With consistent performances and silverware, he could definitely be at the top of the Ballon D’or rankings by the end of the year.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Until he retires, there is always going to be mention of Cristiano Ronaldo being a Ballon D’or contender. After all, he has delivered year in and year out, no matter where he is or how old he is. His career will go down in history as one of, if not the greatest of all time. However, what does he have to do to win the Ballon d’Or? Although he has not been as prolific as in previous seasons, he is still able to find the back of the net. If he is able to rack up some goals and potentially win a major trophy, he could be in the running.
Erling Haaland
Every football fan across the world is, without a doubt, extremely interested in Erling Haaland. The young Norway striker is truly one to be keeping your eye on. He is, without a doubt, one of the most lethal finishers in the world of football. His goal-scoring record for Borussia Dortmund is truly remarkable. With a move looking likely in the summer, he could really reach a new level at one of the top clubs in the world.
Karim Benzema
There was rejuvenation in Karim Benzema over recent years. Although he has always been an extremely impressive player, he has really proved himself as one of the best in the world. He is a key member of Real Madrid’s on form side and has no indication of slowing down. Like other players on the list, a good world cup and a few trophies could be all he needs to claim the crown.
Neymar
Neymar might go down in history as one of the best players to never win the Ballon d’Or. However, he definitely has a good chance of changing that this year. He has been one of the most consistent talents in world football. His contributions to PSG have meant that they have won multiple league titles as well as competed in the Champions League. If he is able to lift what could be his final world cup, then it would be hard to deny Neymar from winning the award. However, there is no doubt Brazil has some serious competition to get past.
