The Croatian helped his country reach the World Cup final and the latest odds suggest he could be set to win the biggest individual prize in football
Luka Modric is favourite to break Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s stronghold over the Ballon d’Or, according to the latest odds.
Each of the last 10 awards have gone to one of those two, however bet365 have installed Modric as 4/7 (1.57) market leader to claim the coveted prize and add to his 'The Best' title, which he was awarded by FIFA in September.
The Croatian midfielder had a stellar year for both club and country, winning the Champions League with Real Madrid before pulling the strings to lead his country to the World Cup final for the first time ever.
Modric leads former teammate Ronaldo in the betting, with the Juventus star available to back at 5/2 (3.50) to win his third consecutive Ballon d’Or and close in on Messi’s record of four in a row.
Despite yet another strong year in front of goal, during which he has netted 38 times including a hat-trick at the World Cup, the bookmakers feel that his recent domination of the award may come to an end.
Antoine Griezmann, who finished third in 2016, is available to back at 6/1 (7.0) after playing a pivotal part in helping Atletico Madrid to Europa League glory and France to their second World Cup crown.
Another key figure in France’s road to the Jules Rimet was Kylian Mbappe and the 19-year-old is priced at 12/1 (13.0) – the same as Messi, who can perhaps feel hard done by after netting 41 goals in 2018 so far.
The World Cup almost invariably influences the Ballon d’Or and yet another poor showing by Messi, who scored just once as Argentina crashed out in the quarter-finals, means the little maestro is unlikely to scoop the award.
Available at 33/1 (34.0) are Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Eden Hazard, whilst Neymar also did not set the World Cup alight and so is out at 50/1 (51.0).
Jake41
367
Messi last season: Won European golden shoe, won Laliga, copa delrey, spanish super cup, scored more than 45 goals. And since Ballondor award is an annual award, Messi is on fire this season. 10 games, 10 goals, 6 assists. and yet they're saying he's 5th favorite player to win this award, wtf. Some body should tell these people that ballondor is an individual award. Even if he didn't win it this year, Messi will always be the GOAT. then, now and forever.
Elsa98
270
Ballon d'or..
Lionaire
236
Its only..Messi Or Griezmann..it would be better to award this to griezmann..so that the messi ronaldo debate ends..but..messi was also very nice..with barca..not argentina last season..while griezmann was pivotal for both..Kids saying mbappe..he is not a mafure player like messi..griezmann ..or modric..it can be seen in his play..so final..mezsi aur griezmann
Emmanuel1651
130
I don't really know why We football fans are fighting our self over who should win or not. Since we have be doing this, have any of you guys receive a gift From Ronaldo or Messi or Any of those players we are fighting about? the answer is NO. so please Brothers, Let us just Give Praise to Who played the game very well.
Faccdikrs
91
Some thinks football is all about stats and some thinks its about play making. But to me the most important thing in football is scoring goals and winning trophy. Modric is a good player but he is not in the level of Messi and Cristiano even in his best season of 2017/18. He can be in the top ten list but to me Messi/Cristiano must lift the award once again..