2. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid and France)
Even after a shaky start to life in Madrid, Kylian Mbappe’s White Dream seems to be taking shape. Having overcome the early jitters, he now has 31 goals and four assists for Los Blancos. However, he was kept quiet by Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 clashes. It was particularly surprising after a 5-star performance against Manchester City in the playoff rounds where the Frenchman scored his first UCL hat-trick in a white shirt.
Mbappe needs to make sure that his form doesn’t regress at the business end of the season. Madrid’s hopes for a treble remain alive and kicking. Most importantly it is this stage of the season where they usually come alive. Mbappe has the perfect stage and opportunity to assert himself as their main galactico. He already has two trophies in his bag and most importantly he contributed goals in both finals Madrid have won this season. Judging by his form since the turn of the year, we could be looking at a higher ranking than this if Real Madrid keep advancing in competitions and Mbappe keeps scoring important goals.
1. Raphinha (FC Barcelona and Brazil)
The obvious frontrunner after Mohamed Salah’s exit from the Champions League is Barcelona’s Raphinha. The Brazilian has arguably been the best player on the planet. He has always shown up in the big games and has been Hansi Flick’s blue-eyed boy; delivering every time he has been called upon.
He has captained the Blaugrana in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, helping them stay top of LaLiga, and won the Spanish Super Cup against arch-rivals Real Madrid in scintillating fashion. He has notched up 27 goals and 19 assists so far in the season, including scoring home and away against Benfica in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. He also tops the chart in UCL with 11 goals and looks to be the obvious frontrunner in the race for Ballon d’Or at this stage of the season.