As 2019 draws to a close, we have the opportunity to look back on what a fantastic year we have had in the football world. This is the time when the awards are handed out to the stars of the year. The most prestigious of all those in football is the Ballon d’Or 2019.
Who is in with a chance of taking the title and all the accolades this year? We have created an in-depth view of the hopefuls, so let’s dive into the details on that list now.
When is the Ballon d’Or 2019?
All top football journalists will vote on the event before the final winner is selected. This year’s Ballon d’Or award will be announced on December 2, in Paris, France. Stay tuned for the announcement coming next month.
Who Is the Favorite to Win the Ballon d’Or 2019?
This award has been dominated over the past ten years by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. However, last season Luka Modric took the prize after leading Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia, where they lost to France. This year sees a focus at the other end of the field as a defender is leading the early race if you follow the bookmakers.
Virgil van Dijk (1.50 @ 888sport)
Van Dijk has proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the world over the last season since joining Liverpool from Southampton after a protracted transfer saga. He helped them win the Champions League and was instrumental in driving Liverpool to second place in the Premier League with 97 points.
In the summer he almost found glory on the international stage, as the Netherlands took the runners-up prize the inaugural UEFA Nations Cup. He was integral to the win over World Cup semi-finalists England as his nation fell short in the final facing Portugal.
The bookies see him as the firm favorite to receive the prize when the announcement comes in Paris this December. The last defender to take this prestigious award was Italian Fabio Cannavaro, who won it back in 2006.
Who Is the Underdog?
Raheem Sterling (67.00 @ bet365)
Over to a player from another English Premier League giant, but this time in the form of Manchester City’s explosive Raheem Sterling. The 24-year-old has had an outstanding twelve months for both club and country and has become a fantastic ambassador for eradicating racism from football.
He has the kind of pace that defenses hate to face, but the most significant improvement in his game this year is his finishing. This season alone, he has put away twenty-five goals for club and country. The England star has won the Premier League, League Cup, and Community shield so far this year.
His odds are massive, considering the amount he has achieved over the season. The best thing about Raheem Sterling is that every year, he goes up a level with his achievements. It may be a stretch too far to see him win the Ballon d’Or this year, but it would be a brave gambler to bet against him winning it in the future.
Who Are the Ballon d’Or Candidates in 2019?
Lionel Messi (3.25 @ bet365)
The Argentinian has won this award a joint-record five times and is much more likely to win his sixth than his significant rival Ronaldo. Messi has scored eight goals in seven appearances so far this season for Barcelona and shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 32.
He has also bagged one in the Champions League, so he has a fair chance of taking the most coveted individual prize in football this year. He is the kind of player that deserves to become the all-time leading winner of this award.
Cristiano Ronaldo (7.00 @ 888sport)
Ronaldo may have slowed down a little this season as he enters his second year at Italian giants Juventus, but you still wouldn’t right him off with a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this December.
The Portuguese superstar matches Messi with five wins in this contest, but he has come second six times, which is one more than his career adversary. His record boasts five goals and one assist across ten games for The Old Lady this season.
Sadio Mané (26.00 @ 888sport)
Sadio Mané makes up a critical part of the ferocious front line of Liverpool’s attack. He has registered an impressive seven goals and four assists for the Reds this season as they lead the way in the English Premier League.
He has, of course, lifted the Champions League this season alongside teammates van Dijk and Salah, who comes next on this list. Could he win the Ballon d’Or this season? We are considering putting a few on the Moneyline for him as a runner-up.
Mohamed Salah (101.00 @ bet365)
Last season ended in redemption for Mohamed Salah after he missed Liverpool’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League two seasons ago. Ramos was inflicted with a shoulder problem that not only ruined his chance at European glory but meant he went to the World Cup carrying an injury.
That tournament ended in disappointment for Egypt even by their standards, and Salah looked far from fit throughout. He lifted the Champions League this season though and is looking as dangerous as ever this term.
Kevin De Bruyne (201.00 @ bet365)
De Bruyne is one of the most multi-faceted attacking midfielders in history, and the Belgian’s consistency over the last few seasons has been second to none. He can score goals, pass short or long, take players on, and produce moments of individual brilliance.
Last season he lifted the English Premier League title with Manchester City, and although as a team their form has dropped so far this season, he has maintained his level. Could he win the award? Unlikely this season, but again, he’s someone who may well lift it at some point in the future.
Kylian Mbappé (251.00 @ bet365)
The Frenchman’s stock has fallen since winning the World Cup with France in 2018. As the rumor mill throws out daily stories of him transferring to Liverpool, Manchester United, or Barcelona, you can see that something is not right with this wonderkid.
He has only played seven games for PSG this season, and although some of that is down to injuries, it is not enough to judge his development on. A return of five goals and three assists is far from mediocre. It could be that this young French genius set the bar too high with his form over the last two years since bursting onto the scene.
Ballon d’Or Previous Winners
Here is a quick table of the past Ballon d’Or winners. As you can see, it is dominated by the two players who also dominated the last decade of football. Ronaldo and Messi have an unbelievable five titles each. Ronaldo edges it with his six runner-up prizes.
| Players | Awards | Runner-up | Third Place |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) | 6 (2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2018) | — |
| Lionel Messi | 5 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015) | 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) | 1 (2007) |
| Michel Platini | 3 (1983, 1984, 1985) | — | 2 (1977, 1980) |
| Johan Cruyff | 3 (1971, 1973, 1974) | — | 1 (1975) |
| Marco van Basten | 3 (1988, 1989, 1992) | — | — |
| Franz Beckenbauer | 2 (1972, 1976) | 2 (1974, 1975) | 1 (1966) |
| Ronaldo | 2 (1997, 2002) | 1 (1996) | 1 (1998) |
| Alfredo Di Stéfano | 2 (1957, 1959) | 1 (1956) | — |
| Kevin Keegan | 2 (1978, 1979) | 1 (1977) | — |
| Karl-Heinz Rummenigge | 2 (1980, 1981) | 1 (1979) | — |
The Verdict
So, who wins the Ballon d’or 2019? Wherever you place your money this season, it’s a good idea to look at what the media is reporting about this years shortlisted players. The most prominent heads in the world of football media vote for the award winner, so some of those journalists will have the final say in the outcome.
It’s a bit of a lottery, but at the same time, a fantastic betting market in which to find value. See if you can beat the bookie by backing one of the outsiders to make the top three.