Luka Modric s Ballon d Or triumph on the back of a stunning year with Real Madrid and Croatia marks the end of an era for world football s most coveted global prize.
For the first time since Brazil midfielder Kaka won in 2007, a man other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned the best male footballer in the world. Indeed, Messi missed out on a top-three place for the first time since 2006.
Both superstars remain somewhere close to the peak of their powers and may well find themselves back at the summit 12 months from now.
Nevertheless, Modric breaking the Messi-Ronaldo streak means the Ballon d Or now looks more of a possibility for other players shining at the elite level. We look at six who, if everything falls into place, could take home th…