JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sports calendar. Furthermore, France Football announced not to award the winner of the Ballon d'Or 2020. This decision certainly left a number of players as victims.
Previously, this award was dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for many years. It feels a little unfair if the players who have stood out throughout 2020 are not recognized in the same way.
Very few can stay at the highest level as long as Messi and Ronaldo do, but there are actually a number of candidates who could take the trophy home in December. Who are they?
Lionel MessiHe is a phenomenon, but 2020 is not his best year. His 25 league goals record saw La Pulga win his seventh Pichichi. Not to mention his incredible 21 assists.
In fact, this achievement was enough for Messi to fight for the seventh Ballon d'Or. But he is not at all a favorite because Barcelona fell out in La Liga.
Cristiano RonaldoAfter having a bad start to his second season at Juventus, Ronaldo has rediscovered his killing instincts. Until the match against Lazio in Week 34 of the Italian League, Ronaldo scored 30 goals. This led him to the top of the Serie A top scorer list with Ciro Immobile (Lazio).
With four matches remaining, Ronaldo can still increase that number.
Robert LewandowskiThe Bayern Munich predator is perhaps the player most affected by France Football's decision. Lewandowski has been sensational this time of year.
He won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and earned the Golden Boot with 34 goals. He can also help the Bavarian club to win the Champions League trophy when competition resumes next August.
Kevin De BruyneUndeniably, Manchester City rely heavily on the Belgian when it comes to team creativity. His passing is amazing. He has also made 18 assists in the Premier League this season, two behind Thierry Henry's record.
De Bruyne is on track to win the Premier League Player of the Year award and will be a contender for the Ballon d'Or.
Sergio Ramos and Karim BenzemaThis duo has led Real Madrid to a difficult La Liga win. Benzema with his goals and Ramos with his defensive and leadership contributions, oh yeah, of course with his penalties too.
11 matches in a row without defeat since the league started again cannot be separated from the contribution of these two players.
It's no exaggeration if they can juggle a magical comeback in the Champions League after losing the first leg at home to Manchester City.
Le Ballon d'Or, trophée individuuel le plus prestigieux au monde, créé en 1956 par le magazine France Football, n'aura pas de lauréat cette année en raison de la crise sanitaire https://t.co/z63n2FLNQu pic.twitter. com / BUHVVuiV6G
- L'ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) July 20, 2020
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