Modric, Ronaldo, Messi & the 2018 Ballon d'Or final rankings

The Croatia and Real Madrid star becomes the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since Kaka in 2007

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  29. Isco (Real Madrid)

  The Real Madrid attacker scored seven goals and added seven assists last season, and looked poised to be among the group ready to help the club fill the gap left behind by Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Isco has struggled under new boss Santiago Solari, and has lost his place in the side's starting XI. 

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  29. Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)

  Lloris shrugged off questions over his form heading into the summer with a strong performance in the 2018 World Cup, helping France win their second-ever crown in the competition, and first since 1998. 

• Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
  

  28. Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)

  Atletico Madrid's primary captain following the depature of Gabi, Godin picked up silverware last year as he was part of the side that won the Europa League, beating Marseille 3-0. He also played every minute of Uruguay's World Cup campaign, which resulted in a run to the quarter-finals. 

• MANAN VATSYAYANA
  

  25. Mario Mandzukic (Juventus)

  The Juventus striker had a solid campaign with the Serie A champions last season, with five goals and three assists in Serie A, though he's already outpaced that goal number this season with six playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. But Mandzukic's highlight of the year no doubt came in the World Cup semi-finals, when his 109th minute winner against England sent Croatia to their very first final in the competition.