On 24th September 2018, Luca Modric was named the best player in the world ahead of Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo to the award.
Modric’s win broke the Lionel Messi-Ronaldo duopoly of the last 10 year having won the Champions League with Real Madrid and then played a major role in Croatia’s run to the World Cup final where they were beaten by France.
The award is based on achievements from the period of July of the preceding year to July of the present year, with an initial 10-man shortlist compiled by a panel of experts which is then open to four voting panels made up fans, journalists, national coaches, and coaches.
After this, the list will then be cut down into three final contenders by the end July. For this year, the three Best Fifa Men’s Player finalist included Virgil van Dijk, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Image source: Instagram
Lionel Messi was top scorer in last season’s Champions League and won the European Golden Shoe as the continent’s top scorer. Cristiano Ronaldo was a Nations League winner with Portugal and the top scorer at the finals and Virgil van Dijk was voted man-of-the-match as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur to win the Champions League for the 6th time.
Van Dijk is the favorite to replace last year’s winner Luka Modric after he was named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
Ronaldo and Messi have both won the award five times, and it remains to be seen whether or not Van Dijk can beat them to the prestigious accolade or if one of the superstar duo will become the first player to win the prize a sixth time. We shall keep our fingers crossed until the announcement of the winner tonight. Who is your choice?
AUTHOR: OBAFEMI OLUGBEMIGA: obafemiolugbemiga@gmail.com
44 comments
Nice write up, in as much as I want Ronaldo to win, I feel Van dijk will take this one, all 3 players were instrumental in the success of their respective clubs. I also feel Messi lost this title to Van dijk at that semis…modric edged Ronaldo, it’s just ideal van dijk does same….lol.
I agree with Mr Bode 100 percent.
I look forward to the awards tonight..
Van dijk
Van Dijk isn’t better than Prime John Terry or Vidic
Hopefully they don’t insult my intelligence and the award goes to either Messi or C. Ronaldo.
hmmmm only time will tell…
Fortunately for him, People are tired of voting Messi and Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo can win since he was at the final. He just need to add some effort
Van Dijk should win this…No story👌 But give it to Lionel and I will be the happiest man on earth
We shall see..
Well let leave this out of Messi and Ronaldo again for another player 10yrs for both of them is enough
okay Mr Mato
Nice Article! In my opinion, the 3 finalists are worthy winners but I feel Virgil Van Dijk has been a standout performer for club and country this past year. Van Dijk for the win!
Mr Trust.
Thanks for your contribution.
#TeamMESSI
I stand with Messi
Ronaldo should rest
Okay Mr Fagbemi…
Most of us are tired of Messi and Ronaldo.
We respect your decision..
Do you mean you are tired of greatness?
10 years is alot of time…
We need new names and new argument….
The prolific writer has said it all and from all view, in as much as I want Ronaldo to win it based on my favorite, Van Dijk also did a wonderful performance in the last season competition and he is till inform this season. i believe this is time for other players to proof their best during the field of play.
Yes bro..
We need new names..
It’s Lionel Messi for me. Man had 51 goals in 49 appearances. Had the most goals in all of Europe, had the highest number of assists, most completed dribbles etc. Van dijk was just part of the liverpool team, it was more of a collective effort.
Another great point..
We shall wait and see.
Nice write up Obafemi, you are really doing well.
Well, this is my take on this: I think we all have different perspectives when it comes to judgement. If any should win, it is based on highest vote and may not be on performance squarely. I would want C.Ronaldo or Van Dijk to win.
Thanks for your contribution Mr Femi.
Let us wait and see.
The Era of CR7 and Messi is fading off gradually. It was Luka Modric last year, it’s now a Virgil Van Dirk turn. I wish him congratulations ahead.
I feel so too Sir..
What a concise analysis of the performance of the trio, kudos to you Mr. Olugbemiga for putting this up.
CR7 to me performed incredibly well last season but it will gladden my heart to see the young 28years old Dutch star beating the duo to it. Upon Van Dijk’s performance last season he stands beyond the chance to win.
Absolutely Sir Enoch.
I cant wait to see the outcome..
Most likely, van dijk would win this
We are together..
Thanks Sir.
Van dijk all the way or Lionel Messi.
We shall see…
Thanks for your contribution Mr Ife.
Van dijk …. would have loved to see a sadio mane or mo Salah… both players have been very consistent esp for their club teams !!! Messi got the goals but no ucl and Ronaldo got a trial run UNL …
Nice analysis .
I hope to see an African lift it soon…
Victor Osimen right?
Loool Mr Abel…
Maybe soon…
I can see everyone with their respective perspective but regardless I think we should not all forget that all three of them was sublime last season, but then we need to highlights the performance of Messi in particular because this guy was the soul of Barcelona in champions league and the league itself racking up assist and some goals from different angles. Is still this same messi that halt van dijk defensive records in Europe and some individual achievemt.
Let’s forget about Messi and Ronaldo duopoly…Team Messi…
Hmmm Mr Seriki…
We fancy your analysis…
Messi for the award…
I feel van dijk is over rated
RIP Ronaldo
We shall see…
Van Dijk should take this one as much as I hate to admit it. He was quite instrumemtal for both club and country.
I agree with you Mr Lawrence….
I am a massive fan of Messi. However, I am undoubtedly sure that the award would go to VVD. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been phenomenal especially when Messi was almost ‘no where’ to be seen. Good luck to whoever gets it!
Nice one Gibbs…
Great article. Though am a Ronaldo fan, I’d love recognition of talent accross the board. All best Van Dijk.
Thanks for your contribution Emma….