Who could win the Ballon d'Or 2017?
With the 2016-17 football season coming to an end, the curiosity for the winner of the prestigious Ballon d'Or has increased. While there is no doubt that the two best footballers in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are in contention for the award, let us have a look at some other players who could give competition to the duo.
The four time winner
2016 Ballon d'Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo is the top contender for this year's award as well. Ronaldo has scored 42 goals this season and has played a vital role in making Real Madrid win the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup, 2016-17 La Liga and the 2017 Champions League. He also became Madrid's all time leading scorer with 406 goals to his name.
The most deserving player?
Five time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi will give a tough competition to Ronaldo. Messi has scored 54 goals this season for Barcelona and was also a part of the greatest comeback in the history of the Champions League, when Barcelona defeated Paris Saint-Germain after losing the first leg of the Round of 16. He also helped Barcelona lift their 29th Copa del Rey.
One of the best forwards of the world
Antoine Griezmann has found his name in the list of the top contenders of the Ballon d'Or after a spectacular performance with Atletico and France this season. He scored 26 goals in the season and was the top goal scorer in the Euro 2016. The Frenchman had lost to Ronaldo last year to win the prestigious award.
Gianluigi Buffon
The Juventus goal-keeper had one of the best years of his career. He played his 100th Champions League game and was unbeaten for 621 minutes in the tournament. Buffon has made a record 110 saves this year, guiding his team to the Champions League finals.
