No doubt, FIFA has released the last Three Men list for the award of the most prestigious football accorlade , "The Ballon d'or." However, there have been a lot of reactions after the publication from both fans and professionals all over the world as regards the names that were published, or rather "a name that was not there to be found."
The dusts that has been raised in this regard, especially as concerning the fact that Lionel Messi's name was not on the list has subjected FIFA'S credibility, transparency and Honesty to doubt by fans and footballers.
Maybe fans have gotten so used to the names Ronaldo and Messi, because for the past decade, the duo have always been perceived as rivals in the game. And irrespective of whoever wins the award, the two names have always been favorites. So let's see the names that made it to the list:
Cristiano Ronaldo.
The List saw some new names to the surprise of many who may possibly have expected something a bit different. The list of course made sure it contained the regular name "Cristiano Ronaldo." Many are not surprised by that, the Portuguese star man has remained at the top of his game for the past season, and he helped fired Real Madrid to their Third Consecutive Champions League title.
The Portuguese skipper had some pretty awesome time at the beginning stages of the World Cup in Russia, especially the first match against Spain, where he netted some mouthwatering goals to help Portugal share the points with Spain, it was his great day.
This summer saw him move to Juventus where he is yet to find his footing. He is yet to score for the Old ladies after three matches now, and of course, it's not been funny. Many have said that he needs more time to adjust to Italian style of play, but for long, no one can tell.
Luka Modric.
The List also saw new names like "Luka Modric," that also won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid after putting up a stunning display to shoulder Madrid's Midfield alongside Kroos all the to the third consecutive champions league final to beat Liverpool, and lift the trophy. It's historic.
The Croatian midfield maestro and captain was at his prime at the just concluded FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he starred and won the administration of many. He captained Croatia to their first ever World Cup Final, and was also voted "The Best Player Of The Tournament," of course he got the Golden ball. Just few days ago, he also won for the first time, UEFA best player of the year, Awesome! So many won't be surprised seeing him on the final three man list.
Mohammed Salah.
Another unusual name that found its way to the list is "Mohammed Salah." The Egyptian star man has rose through the ranks since his arrival on Liverpool from Chelsea, scoring with ease and getting on the headlines every now and then. His role in scoring, saw Liverpool become a force in the EPL after the departure of Cutinho To Barcelona, and he keeps getteing better since then.
The Left footed right flank attacker is also holding the best African player award, and has shouldered the Pharaohs to the Russia 2018 World Cup where they got eliminated at the group stage. However, the Egyptian talisman has no trophy to his name apart from getting to the Champions League final where he was substituted after an injury.
Messi's Name Not Found In The Last Three.
After the final three men list where published for this year's "Ballon d'or" award, the Argentine name was unusually not found. This has raised a lot of controversy and has made many doubt the credibility of FIFA in the nominations. Though The Argentine Captain and Barcelona's most successful player(Messi) didn't have an amazing world cup in Russia, He was at his peak in firing Barcelona to big wins.
Despite Lionel Messi being the engine room that inspired Barcelona to a domestic double of LaLiga and the Copa del Rey in 2017-18, the Barcelona captain and highest goal scorer was overlooked for the final three-man list in favour of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah, and this has raised a lot of unsettled dust in football atmosphere for the past few weeks.
However, Messi is his usual nature have played mute to this unusual events, and have rather been concentrating on his new responsibility as the skipper of Barcelona. He has helped Barca win all their matches this season already, and he seems not perturbed by the ongoing events.
Players React: Griezmann Bemoans The Final List.
The French attacking midfielder, Griezmann has expressed disbelief over the shortlisted names, as no French player was recognized despite lifting the just concluded FIFA world Cup in Russia.
The French superstar Antonnie Griezmann was one of the driving force that starred in France's triumphant World Cup winning campaign in Russia. He also had an amazing and impressive year at Atletico, won the Europa League and Uefa Super Cup. What else do they want him to do?
"Comparing 2016 and this year, for me I have to be in the top three," the 27-year-old told French sports daily L'Equipe. In 2016, I lost two finals and was in the top three. This time I have won three finals."
This has been the most controversial final three man list for the prestigious award for the past decade, and it's only a while before it loses its value.
Felipe Luis Speaks.
Antoine Griezmann may have claimed it was "bizarre" a Fifa award did not take cognisance of any France's World Cup-winning stars, however his Atletico Madrid team-mate thinks it is ignoring Messi that ruins the credibility of the prize. Filipe Luis did not mince words in airing his dissatisfaction in relation to the final three man list.
The Brazilian defender was frank enough to state his thoughts without bias, as he thought that Messi should have been on the last three men list.
"The award is for the best player in the world. For me, today, it's Messi. Just like in previous years," he told Globoesporte. When he's not there, it loses credibility. It doesn't matter who wins the World Cup or the Champions League. He's the best." he told Globoesporte.
Olivier Giroud Says His Mind:
The French striker that was part of the squad the just won the Russia 2018 world cup did not have time to romance his words, he was very straight to the point and gave no room to ambiguity.
"It must be a Frenchman or Modric [who wins the Ballon d'Or]. If I could vote, I know which of my partners I would choose, but I will not tell you."
For him, it should neither be Cristiano Ronaldo, Salah nor Lionel Messi. He feels Luka Modric deserves the crown this time, and I share his opinion too. Modric performed better and they shouldn't play politics with it.
Do you think Messi's name deserve to have been on the list, if yes, who do you think should not be there? I will really love to know your thought about this?
THANKS FOR READING.
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