It’s the end of an era.
The Ballon d’Or has a new recipient following a 10-year duopoly that saw either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo take home the prestigious individual award.
Luka Modric has claimed the 2018 edition, becoming the first player other than Messi or Ronaldo to win the Ballon d’Or since Kaka in 2008.
The Real Madrid midfielder won the 2017/18 Champions League title before playing a pivotal role in Croatia’s phenomenal run to the World Cup final in Russia.
2018 Ballon d’Or winner
Messi placed fifth in the rankings, the first time he finished outside the top three since 2006.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo made it to the final four, along with Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, but eventually lost out to his former Madrid team-mate.
Mbappe took home the inaugural Kopa Trophy for the best young player.
