Since 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the greatest footballers of all time, have continued to showcase their exceptional talents and vie for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Let’s take a closer look at their rankings in the Ballon d’Or standings during this period.

In 2018, Luka Modrić broke the Ronaldo-Messi duopoly by winning the Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo, who had won the award in 2016 and 2017, finished in second place, while Messi secured the fifth position. It was a significant year for Modrić, as he helped lead Croatia to the World Cup final and played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph.

The following year, in 2019, Messi reclaimed the Ballon d’Or, winning the prestigious award for a record-breaking sixth time. Ronaldo finished third in the rankings, behind Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who had an exceptional season and played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Champions League victory.

In 2020, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or, decided not to award the prize. This meant that neither Ronaldo nor Messi had the opportunity to add to their collection of Ballon d’Or titles that year.

Moving to 2021, Messi once again claimed the top spot and secured his seventh Ballon d’Or, surpassing Ronaldo’s record. Ronaldo, on the other hand, finished in fourth place. Messi’s outstanding performances for both Barcelona and Argentina, including winning the Copa America, played a significant role in securing the award.

It’s worth noting that both Ronaldo and Messi have consistently been in the top rankings for the Ballon d’Or over the years. Their remarkable consistency, extraordinary goal-scoring records, and consistent individual performances have elevated them to legendary status in the world of football.

While the Ballon d’Or rankings provide a glimpse into their individual achievements, it’s important to recognize that football is a team sport, and both players have had immense success with their respective clubs. Ronaldo has won numerous domestic titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, while Messi has enjoyed incredible success with Barcelona.

Overall, the Ballon d’Or rankings since 2018 reflect the ongoing rivalry and exceptional talent of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. As they continue to compete at the highest level, football fans worldwide eagerly await their performances and wonder what the future holds for these two iconic players.