Who will win the 2019 Ballon d'Or? There're top 10 possible choices

The history of the Ballon d'Or is fascinating, however, it's been overshadowed by the decade long baton passing between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Essentially they had a vice like grip on the trophy between 2008 to 2018. That's an incredible achievement in today's competitive footballing environment – a shutout of all other players for a full 10 years!

Comparing the two players will end up fueling endless debates and in some cases fractured friendships. So loyal are supporters that to some, suggesting their favourite of the two is inferior, is tantamount to heresy. It's a topic that's unlikely to die though and will no doubt rage on for years to come. Even the two superstars themselves most likely have heard the arguments. In fact, rumors swirl each year that these two greats wager between themselves as to which one will win the Ballon d'Or.

Of course, that bet came to naught last year as shock reverberated throughout the footballing community with neither one of these two greats winning the Ballon d'Or. Finally, the stranglehold was broken, albeit it most likely for a short period. Who was the man to do it? None other than Croatian captain Luka Modrić who electrifies the midfield at Spanish Side Real Madrid. Perhaps the greatest Croatian player of all time, Modrić has been a part of the national team for every major competition since making his debut in 2006. 

The betting market is awash with plenty of value for those seeking other possibilities. 1xBet, the world's leading online sports betting site has tremendous odds on all the top prospects in the race for the coveted award. While the list is long of possible winners, the field can be narrowed down with a bit of studying of the season so far. Big factors contributing to winning the Ballon d' Or are not only an individual's success but also the performance of the player's entire team. Winning a league or other title goes a long way to securing serious consideration. Here are the top ten possible choices to win the award:

10 - Harry Kane

he Spurs striker (and England captain) is having a mediocre season by his standards and seems like a longshot to win. The odds bear testament to the fact that, due to limited appearances, he's scored a full 13 goals less than the previous season. Kane developed from an awkward, gangly teenager into a feared striker. With deadly accuracy, he's able to place his shots exactly where he wants them to go in order to score. Lauded as having an extreme passion for the game, this center-forward is considered "a pure goal-scorer".There's still a few matches to go - perhaps some top-flight performances and team success could propel him into serious contention.

9 - Raheem Sterling

Could Raheem Sterling have both Jamaican and UK fans squealing in delight by picking up this coveted award? Born in the Caribbean, he made England his home at age 5. This extremely talented player is a joy to watch. In 2015 he set the record for the highest transfer fee ever paid for a British player – a jaw-dropping £49 million. The natural winger is the most versatile of players, able to also play as an attacking midfielder or striker. With 17 goals and plenty of assistance to others on the field, Sterling may not have achieved enough to warrant serious consideration. He has, however, earned the utmost respect from both compatriots and opponents.

8 - Neymar

The flamboyant Brazilian footballer has enjoyed a purple patch since joining French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Having risen to stardom at the tender age of 17 in his home country at Santos, Neymar was then scooped up by Barcelona. At the Spanish side, he excelled, but it's truly at Paris Saint Germain that he has flourished. Averaging almost one goal a match this superstar has gained the attention of many savvy pundits and is being touted as an excellent value bet. PSG's runaway lead at the top of the Ligue 1 won't hurt his chances either!

7 - Sergio Agüero

This Argentinian striker may be in the imposing shadow cast by his illustrious countryman Lionel Messi, but he is nonetheless a superstar in his own right. Agüero made his debut in the Argentine Primera División at age 15 and has never looked back since, going from success to success. His first stint in Europe came at Atlético Madrid where his skills were finely honed. Since transferring to Manchester City in 2011 he's scored an astounding 162 goals for the premier league side. Considered as one of the best strikers in the game, Agüero is an aggressive player with superb passing skills and tactical decision making. Interestingly enough he's received high praise from none other than Lionel Messi, his national teammate. The great is quoted as saying Sergio possesses "Immense power and an incredible work ethic". Perhaps he is the only upset result that would please Messi?

6 - Virgil Van Dijk 

He has been an excellent addition to the defense at Liverpool. Traded for a reported £75 million from Southampton, Van Dijk has proven to be a cohesive factor in the team. He began his junior career as a right-back but after a growth spurt of 18 centimeters in the summer of 2008, he moved to a defensive position. As a right-footed center back, the Dutchmen predominantly plays in the left side of the Reds backline. With flair and creativity, combined with strong leadership skills, he's sure to thrive even further. Van Dijk began this season with a Man of the Match award for his performance against Crystal Palace. This was closely followed by the Liverpool Standard Chartered Player of the Month for August. December saw another award in the form of the Premier League Player of the Month. Building on the season in February, Van Dijk scored twice against Watford – a landmark achievement for any defensive player. March of this year also saw his first goal in the Champions League. Taking all this into account he seems like a well-qualified candidate for the prize at long odds.

5 - Mohamed Salah

Another Liverpool star, this time a forward, comes up as a possible winner of the award. Egyptian Mohamed Salah has seen his career springboard from Cairo club El Mokawloon to various top European clubs, before settling in at Liverpool in 2017. With speed, excellent tactics and a tremendous work ethic, Salah is the real deal. An increasingly aggressive presence in the Reds offence, he's been an invaluable asset on Liverpool's quest for an elusive EPL title.

4 - Antoine Griezmann

This French forward has become an integral team member since joining Atlético Madrid in 2014 for a then-record sum of £30 million. Although a winger at his previous club, Griezmann quickly adapted to his new position as a complete forward. During his debut season, he broke Atlético Madrid's scoring record and the following year was named La Liga Best Player. A multiple-time nominee for the Ballon d'Or, he is a serious challenger for the award once again this year.

3 - Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé is another Frenchman who finds himself in contention for the award. Since making his pro debut at 16 for Monaco this naturally talented star has been making waves in the world of football. He's often compared to his countryman Thierry Henry and is amongst the best dribblers currently playing. His elaborate feints and sudden changes of pace and direction have made him a sought after player. With his unique celebration style after goalscoring, he's endeared himself to fans across the globe. Averaging slightly over one goal a match this season for his home club, he must be considered as a betting prospect at long odds.

2 - Cristiano Ronaldo

Rocket Ronaldo's 2018/19 season was a highly anticipated one. On the back of an earth shattering €100 million transfer fee, the Portuguese made his debut for Juventus. The start at his new home was anything but smooth sailing. It wasn't until his fourth appearance for the Italian side that he found the back of the net. Then in September in his first Champions League appearance for Juventus, he was sent off the field for "violent conduct". This blight may well hinder his chances of picking up a 6th Ballon d'Or. After the ensuing one-game suspension, the Portuguese opened his Champions account for the Italian side and starting picking up momentum in his new surroundings.

In January this year, he provided a sublime header which was the only goal of the game against AC Milan and saw Juventus pick up the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana. March saw Ronaldo score a hattrick against Atlético Madrid and the legend was now firmly entrenched in his new home. Is it enough to secure another award though? Only time will tell, but he is currently the second favourite behind his nemesis.

1 – Lionel Messi

A strong favourite in the betting market, Lionel Messi is on track to win yet another Ballon d'Or. The Argentinian finds himself continuing his incredible run as captain of both Barcelona and his national side. Overcoming incredible obstacles as a child, Messi has brought to the field a tenacity and power of will second to none. Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency as a child, it was Barcelona that agreed to pay his medical bills. This instilled a fierce loyalty and bond which thrives today. Messi has fulfilled his new duties as captain at Barcelona with an eagerness to serve. Early on in the season, a hat-trick against PSV Eindhoven helped the Spanish side to an exemplary start in the Champions League. With a commanding lead in La Liga, another title seems a foregone conclusion. By scoring his 50th La Liga penalty, he also joined an exclusive club of players who achieved this feat. It's been a stellar season, as most are for Messi, and he is worthy favourite to win the coveted award yet again.