Top five contenders for 2016 Ballon d'Or

Who could end their dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the game’s most prestigious individual prize next year?

PAUL POGBA | France & Juventus

Now the main man in the Juventus midfield, Pogba will be hoping to help the Bianconeri claim another Serie A title in 2016 – and go one better in the Champions League. Euro 2016, meanwhile, could see him establish himself as the best all-round player on the planet.

GARETH BALE | Wales & Real Madrid 

It was not a vintage 2015 at club level for the world’s most expensive player and his future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains uncertain. However, Bale still managed to carry Wales to Euro 2016 and, if he remains fit and new Real coach Zinedine Zidane keeps his promise to show the winger plenty of love, the former Tottenham ace undoubtedly has the ability to win the Ballon d’Or.

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI | Poland & Bayern Munich

After a somewhat slow start to his Bayern career, the striker has gone to another level this season, both in terms of his goalscoring and all-round game. Looks set for a massive 2016 with both his Bavarian employers and Poland, whom he will lead at Euro 2016.

NEYMAR | Brazil & Barcelona

There were still some lingering doubts about Neymar following his first season at Camp Nou but they were well and truly dispelled in 2015. Indeed, it is now a matter of when – and not if – he will win the Ballon d’Or. More Champions League glory and a stellar showing at the Copa America could do the trick.

LUIS SUAREZ | Uruguay & Barcelona

Has gone from strength to strength since arriving in Catalunya from Liverpool in 2014, firmly establishing himself as one of the finest players in the game today. If he stays out of trouble (and that is a big ‘if’!), another big season with Barca and a stellar showing at the Copa could see him land the game’s top individual honour.

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