Who Wins Ballon d'Or? BBC Experts Weigh In
The Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, is back, and the anticipation is palpable. Who will be crowned the best player in the world? We asked a panel of BBC experts to weigh in on the contenders and share their predictions.
The Favorites
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): The Frenchman was the runaway favorite for the award last year and is a strong contender once again. He was instrumental in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph, scoring a whopping 15 goals in the competition. Benzema's clinical finishing and ability to lead the line make him a real threat.
Lionel Messi (PSG): The Argentine maestro is always a threat, even at the age of 35. He continues to defy the odds, producing moments of magic on the pitch. Messi's influence on PSG's success, while not as dominant as Benzema's for Real Madrid, cannot be ignored.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): The Belgian playmaker is often overlooked, but his influence on Manchester City's dominance is undeniable. He's the architect of countless goals, providing assists and controlling the tempo with ease. He's a true footballing genius.
Kylian Mbappé (PSG): Mbappé's raw pace and finishing ability are truly electrifying. He's already achieved so much, and his potential is limitless. He'll be in the conversation for the Ballon d'Or for years to come.
BBC Experts Weigh In
Jonathan Wilson (Football Writer): "It's a close call, but I'm going with Benzema. He was simply unstoppable in the Champions League. Real Madrid wouldn't have won without him."
Robbie Savage (Former Footballer): "I'm a huge fan of De Bruyne. He's the most complete midfielder in the world. He's got it all: vision, passing, dribbling, and the ability to score goals."
Alan Shearer (Former England Striker): "It's a tough one. Messi is still a legend, but I think Benzema edges it. He carried Real Madrid on his shoulders in Europe."
Gary Lineker (Former England Striker): "Mbappé is a phenomenal talent, but he's still got some things to prove. I'm predicting Benzema to win, but it's a very competitive field."
Conclusion
The Ballon d'Or is a highly contested award, and there are several worthy contenders. Benzema appears to be the frontrunner, but Messi, De Bruyne, and Mbappé all have strong arguments. It's going to be a fascinating ceremony!
Who do you think will win?