Ballon d'Or Race: BBC Pundits Make Their Picks
The Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, is just around the corner. It's always a hot topic, with endless debates about who deserves to lift the coveted golden ball. So, who are the contenders this year? And who do the BBC pundits think will take home the prize?
The usual suspects:
You can't talk about the Ballon d'Or without mentioning Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi. Both have been at the top of their game for years, and they've both had incredible seasons. Benzema led Real Madrid to Champions League glory, while Messi was a key player in PSG's Ligue 1 title win.
But it's not a two-horse race. Kylian Mbappé has emerged as a serious contender, dazzling with PSG and France. Erling Haaland has also stormed onto the scene, smashing records for Manchester City. Then there's Kevin De Bruyne, who's been pulling the strings for one of the most dominant Premier League sides ever.
BBC's Predictions:
So, who do the BBC pundits think will win? Let's dive into their thoughts:
Gary Lineker: "I'm going with Benzema. He was absolutely phenomenal for Real Madrid last season. He led the line brilliantly and was a real difference-maker in big games. It's his time to shine."
Alan Shearer: "I'm leaning towards Haaland. He's a complete goal machine. The way he's performing for City is incredible. He's a force of nature."
Rio Ferdinand: "It's gotta be Messi. He's still the best in the world, and he's always a threat. He's a winner, and he'll be hungry to add another Ballon d'Or to his collection."
Michael Owen: "I'm going with Mbappé. He's got that x-factor, and he's got the potential to be the best player in the world. He's a joy to watch."
The Verdict:
It's a tight race, and it's anyone's guess who will be crowned the Ballon d'Or winner. The BBC pundits are split, but they all agree that it's a strong field of contenders. It'll be fascinating to see who comes out on top.
Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below!