The Balon d’Or Contenders: EPL and UEFA Champions League Winners?

The EPL and UEFA Champions League are two prestigious competitions in the world of football, and the winners of these tournaments often overshadow the rest when it comes to the coveted Ballon d’Or award. This year, the suspense is palpable regarding which player will emerge as the best of the best. Here, we delve into the possibilities, exploring the impact of recent performances and the potential influence of marketing and lobbying.

Champion League Winner and Ballon d’Or

The Champion League victory is often a strong indicator of a player's worthiness for the Ballon d’Or. This prestige alone can vault a player into favorable consideration by the voting journalists. The issue, however, is that the award isn't solely based on performance on the field. It's a complex interplay of individual merit and team success, often influenced by other factors.

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk, a towering presence defensively, has been a EPL Champion League contender for Liverpool. Despite his prowess, the road to the final looks challenging. If Liverpool do secure the title, Van Dijk would be a clear frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. However, with crucial matches to come, the outcome remains uncertain.

Leo Messi

As always, Leo Messi remains a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, year after year. Even a single underperformance can open the door for other players, particularly those under the vibrant Ajax setup. However, with his consistency and status as an all-time great, Messi’s case stands strong.

Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has been tearing through the season, showing that he is also a formidable contender within the EPL. His exceptional performance may just tip the scales in his favor, if the right mix of personal accolades and team trophies align.

Manchester City and Guardiola

Should Manchester City triumph in both the EPL and the UEFA Champions League, the conversation shifts dramatically. The pressure is on the club to ensure their preferred candidate receives significant media attention and support. After all, as the article poignantly notes, the decision comes down to the votes of human journalists who can be swayed by marketing and lobbying efforts, much like any other election.

Real Madrid’s Dominance

The Real Madrid influence on recent wins of the Ballon d’Or for Cristiano Ronaldo suggests a pattern. It's not merely the player's performance but also their club's ability to market and lobby for the player. This year, Manchester City, with their own influence in the marketing world, may hold a key for their preferred candidate.

Guardiola’s Admiration and KDB

Guardiola’s high opinion of Kayla Dobai (referred to as KDB in the original text) emphasizes the strong marketing strategy behind her candidacy. The focus on honing her marketing efforts and achieving the necessary media coverage could overshadow other contenders, illustrating that the soccer world, like any other, can be influenced by smart marketing strategies.

In conclusion, the outcome of the Ballon d’Or for 2018 remains a combination of individual excellence and strategic campaigning. Whichever player ultimately wins, it will undoubtedly be a result of not just their performance on the field, but the effectiveness of the behind-the-scenes efforts.