Ballon d’Or 2018 Rankings Revealed, This year unveiled a thrilling contest at the top, as a handful of exceptional performers dominated the global stage with their skill and consistency.
Throughout the season, these stars delivered remarkable displays in domestic leagues and international competitions, shaping the narrative of football’s most prestigious individual award. The final standings reflected not only personal achievements but also the impact these players had on their teams, setting new benchmarks for excellence and leaving an unforgettable mark on the sport.
Who Was Crowned Ballon d’Or 2018?
The 2018 Ballon d’Or was awarded to Luka Modrić, the Croatian playmaker and Real Madrid midfielder, marking the first time since 2007 that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the trophy. Modrić became the first Croatian player in history to win the award, a triumph that ended a decade-long duopoly.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who helped Croatia reach the men’s World Cup final in Russia that summer, is the first Croatian player to win the prestigious award, which is voted on by journalists.
After receiving the award, Modrić said: “It’s a unique feeling and a great honor. I have so many emotions that are hard to put into words. Let me thank those who helped me—my teammates, the coaches at Real Madrid, and all the staff at the club.”
“I also thank the coaches and my teammates in the Croatian national team, as well as my family, my wife, and my children. They supported me in every aspect of my career and played a role in getting me here.”
He continued: “As children, we all have dreams, and mine was to play for a big club and win trophies. But the Ballon d’Or is more than just a dream. Winning this award is an honor and a privilege. If I achieved it, it’s because I did something special this year.”
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Luka Modrić – Ballon d’Or Winner 2018: Why He Deserved It
World Cup Brilliance with Croatia: Modrić’s crowning achievement came during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he captained Croatia to a historic run to the final. His leadership, vision, and tireless performances earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, even though Croatia fell to France in the final.
Champions League Success with Real Madrid: At club level, Modrić was pivotal in Real Madrid’s third consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph. He controlled the midfield, dictating the tempo in crucial knockout ties, including the final against Liverpool.
Consistency and Influence: Unlike strikers whose influence is measured by goals, Modrić’s greatness lay in his ability to dominate games from midfield. He provided balance, creativity, and stability, making him indispensable for both club and country throughout 2018.
- Comparison with Ronaldo and Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo had another prolific year, scoring heavily for Real Madrid and finishing as the Champions League’s top scorer. However, Modrić’s World Cup heroics and midfield mastery tilted the balance in his favor.
Lionel Messi, despite winning La Liga with Barcelona, did not have the same decisive impact in Europe or the World Cup, which diminished his chances compared to Modrić’s all-around influence in the biggest competitions.
The margin of victory was also decisive: Modrić collected 753 votes, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 476 and Antoine Griezmann’s 414.
Read also: Ballon d’Or 2016 Rankings: Messi or Ronaldo?
Ballon d’Or 2018: Top 10 Players
Here are the top 10 in the 2018 Ballon d’Or rankings—those who were closest to Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo in the voting.
The table shows their rank, nationalities, clubs, and points.
| Order | Player | Club | Nationality | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luka Modrić | Real Madrid | Croatia | 753 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid / Juventus | Portugal | 478 |
| 3 | Antoine Griezmann | Atlético Madrid | France | 414 |
| 4 | Kylian Mbappé | Paris Saint-Germain | France | 347 |
| 5 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona | Argentina | 280 |
| 6 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt | 188 |
| 7 | Raphaël Varane | Real Madrid | France | 121 |
| 8 | Eden Hazard | Chelsea | Belgium | 119 |
| 9 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | Belgium | 29 |
| 10 | Harry Kane | Tottenham Hotspur | England | 25 |
Key Notes on the 2018 Ballon d’Or
- End of an era: Luka Modrić became the first player outside Messi and Ronaldo to win the award since 2007, ending their 10-year duopoly.
- World Cup impact: France’s World Cup triumph had a major influence on the rankings, with Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, and Raphaël Varane all finishing in the top 10.
- Salah’s breakthrough: Mohamed Salah capped off a record-breaking debut season with Liverpool by finishing 6th, becoming one of the highest-ranked African players in Ballon d’Or history.
- Messi’s lowest finish: Lionel Messi’s fifth-place ranking was his lowest position in over a decade.
- Young star: Kylian Mbappé’s fourth-place finish made him the highest-ranked teenager in the history of the Ballon d’Or at the time.
- Midfield recognition: Modrić’s victory reignited appreciation for midfielders, showing their decisive impact beyond the usual spotlight on goalscorers.
- Croatian pride: The win was a historic milestone for Croatian football, as Modrić became the first player from his country to claim the prestigious award.
