Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with his choice for the Ballon d'or award.

Modric - who won the Champions League with Real Madrid and reached the 2018 World Cup final, is on the 30-man shortlist released.

Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the award for over a decade but a break could happen in 2018.

Among the list of contenders is Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba despite his poor performances for United at club level.

One of the key criteria for the Ballon d'or is silverware accumulated and Pogba, Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe won the 2018 World Cup with France.

While Messi and Ronaldo would sure hope to win the award, Modric believes Antoine Griezmann deserves the prestigious award.

“I would put Antoine Griezmann in pole position in terms of the 3 Frenchmen, for all he has achieved this year," Modric said.

"Mbappe? He's an extraordinary talent, a wonderful promise for the future but whohas already displayed a great level.

“He's really special.”

However, Modric doesn’t necessarily think he will walk away with the accolade.

He added: “I do not like to talk that way and say, 'Yes, I deserve the Golden Ball’.

“The important thing for me is to be in the field as I have been for months.

“This year 2018 has been without a doubt the best of my career.

"You are not going to make me say: 'It is I who must win it'."

Source:>>https://www.mysportdab.com/2018/10/antoine-griezmann-deserves-2018-ballon.html

cc: Lalasticlala