Real Madrid players dominate list of top 30 finalists for the Ballon d’Or
By Ben Sundock
Thursday was a great day for the entire Real Madrid club as Cristiano Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d’Or and the club had six other players finish on the 30 man shortlist for the coveted award.
25. Karim Benzema
This was the only player of the seven to make the top 30 that I was surprised by. Yes, I have voiced my disliking of Karim Benzema in the past, but seriously, it doesn’t seem like he has the stats to make the top 30 players in the world.
Benz scored 16 goals in Champions League and La Liga play combined during the 2016/2017 season while also have 5 total assists in both competitions. Karim finished in front of another striker, Edin Dzeko, who had 37 goals and 9 assists with AS Roma in league and Europa League play.
A little bit confusing to have him at No. 25 but hey, I’ll take it.
17. Toni Kroos
After being named to the FIFA Team of the Year and being a finalist for the FIFA The Best Midfielder award, it is safe to say that 2017 was yet another fantastic year in the already incredible career of Toni Kroos.
Kroos finished 17th in the Ballon d’Or voting deservedly so. The German international won his third career Champions League title this past season and second since joining Real Madrid.
His incredible passing, his accuracy, and his command over the formation and the players around him make him one of the best midfielders in the game. A well-deserved finish for Toni.
16. Marcelo
Considered the best left-back by many across the globe, I would consider a 16th place finish in the voting kind of low for Marcelo. The Brazilian was magnificent in helping Real Madrid to the 2017 UCL title with his great defensive awareness and the threat he provides going forward.
Marcelo had the most assists of his career since the award was last handed out a year ago with 12 and proved himself as one of the best defensive fullbacks in Europe as well making nearly 2.5 tackles a game plus 2.2 interceptions as well.
12. Isco
Of all the Real players who made the top 30 in the vote, Isco probably had the quickest rise from obscurity to stardom in a single calendar year. Last January, Isco was nothing more than a frequent substitute but after Gareth Bale’s injury problems, Isco earned himself a regular role in the squad.
To begin the 2017/2018 season, Isco is a regular in the starting XI and has been credited with his incredible dribbling as well as his ability to help build up the attack. Not to mention he pairs nicely with Cristiano Ronaldo.
They always seem in sync.
6. Sergio Ramos
The Captain, Sergio Ramos, made it into the top 10 despite his frequent irrational fouls and crazy behavior, which says a lot about how good of a defender he is. Known as the hero and the leader of this team, Sergio has been fantastic for both Madrid and while on international duty with Spain.
I am a big Sergio fan and I’m glad to see him make not only the top 30, but the top 10 as he is without a doubt one of the best defenders in the world.
**SIDENOTE** Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona did not make the top 30. Haha.
5. Luka Modric
The midfield maestro, of course, ranked near the top of the list thanks to yet another incredible year. Luka won the FIFA The Best Midfielder award in October while also making the FIFA Team of the Year along with his midfield mate Toni Kroos.
Luka has gone from one of the most disliked Real Madrid players when he arrived from Tottenham, to one of the most influential players at the club maybe of all time. His passing, incredible work rate, and pace going up and down the field is mind-blowing.
I am a huge Luka fan and I am very impressed he finished this high in the rankings, but at the same time, I think it’s deserved.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
As many of you already know, the GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year. CR7 was given the trophy atop the Effiel Tower in a really cool presentation.
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