Karim Benzema has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or after a disastrous 2017/18 season at Real Madrid, in what is a blatant reminder of everything wrong with the award: it's a massive popularity contest.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have the highest Facebook followings among football players, according to Statisca. These three stars were on the podium for the Ballon d'Or last year.
Messi and Ronaldo have won ten Ballon d'Or prizes between them. It is a shame that even if it was voted by the fans, the Ballon d'Or would still be as predictable as it already is.