Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Raphael Varane should all be in contention for the Ballon d'Or, says France coach Didier Deschamps.
Paul Pogba was one of France leader as Les Bleus repeat the feat of Didier Deschamps' heroics by winning the World Cup, which he did as a player in 1998.
Raphael Varane was a rock in the defense for the French team as Kylian Mbappe run riot in opponent penalty area alongside France poster boy Antoine Griezmann.
Didier Deschamps did not hide his opinion about his players when asked about 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.
"He's a potential candidate for the Ballon d'Or, yes, he deserves it," Deschamps told L'Equipe of Griezmann. "It's not just him, but he deserves it. The Ballon d'Or, that would be a very good thing.
"We've seen so many times, there are two who are still there... Come on, even three, you have Messi, Ronaldo with everything they represent in the world and what they do. Neymar too, even if he arrives behind.
"Does Raphael Varane deserve it? Of course he deserves it. Will it be him? A defender, yes, but in general it's an attacker. I especially hope that it will be a French player due to the fact that it's a World Cup year and they are world champions.
"Kylian, he's only 19 years old, we'll say he has time [to win the Ballon d'Or]. But there is also what he does. Being so important and effective at age 19, it is out of the ordinary.
"Paul, with the World Cup he's had... Do not ask me who I prefer."
Griezmann was third in the 2016 Ballon d'Or, with Kaka's success in 2007 the last time Messi or Ronaldo did not claim the prize.
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