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Football

04th Jun 2017

Javier Hernandez is thinking outside the box with his Ballon d’Or pick

Not going to happen

Darragh Murphy

Who is capable of breaking the Cristiano Ronaldo/Lionel Messi duopoly over the Ballon d’Or?

It’s been a decade since neither man was named the best player in the world, with Kaka the last man not called Ronaldo or Messi to claim the honour.

It’s been suggested that it’s only a matter of time before a Neymar or a Paulo Dybala reach the level where they’re competing for Ballon d’Or recognition but that almost certainly won’t be this year.

In all likelihood, Ronaldo is destined for the fifth Ballon d’Or of his career after guiding Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double.

The Portuguese will be heavy favourite for the 2017 trophy but, if you ask his former teammate Javier Hernandez, a different Real Madrid player ought to be be selected.

Shortly after Real dominated Juventus en route to a 4-1 victory and a successful defence of their European crown, ‘Chicharito’ took to Twitter to give his pick.

“Ballon d’Or for Modric please!” Hernandez wrote.

Modric did create a lot from central positions during the game and his contribution to the team in general ought to be praised and isn’t taken for granted by manager, Zinedine Zidane.

But we somehow can’t see him wresting that prize away from a determined Ronaldo.