© EuroFootball.com
Ten days - that's exactly how much is left until the FIFA ceremony, where the best football player in the world in 2013 will finally be revealed.
Three football players are fighting for the "Ballon d'Or" award, which will take place on January 13 - Cristiano Ronaldo ("Real Madrid"), Franck Ribery ("Bayern") and Lionel Messi ("Barcelona").
"Eurofootball.com" reviewed the results, stats, trophies won by each football player and presents the results of the portal's visitors' poll.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 28 years old)
Undoubtedly the main contender after a four-year break to reclaim the title of the best football player in the world. The Portuguese demonstrated a truly attractive game last season, and the results of this season speak for themselves.
The leader of Real Madrid "gifted" his country a ticket to the 2014 World Cup. The Portuguese national team had to play additional qualifying matches with Sweden, and it was Cristiano Ronaldo who took the initiative in both matches by scoring five goals and thus opening the doors to Brazil for Paulo Bento's team.
However, if not for this victory, the Portuguese's hopes of winning the "Ballon d'Or" would be minimal. Last season, the 28-year-old player with Real did not win any titles, although his personal statistics were very good - he scored 69 goals in 2013.
The former Manchester United forward has already improved the UEFA Champions League record this season. He became the first player in the tournament's history to score nine goals in the group stage, and he did it in just five matches.
2012-13 season stats: Goals scored - 62, Matches played - 68, Assists - 14.
2013-14 season stats: Goals scored - 40, Matches played - 32, Assists - 8.
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich, 30 years old)
The French winger of the national team has already received personal recognition this season - becoming the best player in Europe. Now Franck Ribery's goal is to be called such a player worldwide, although his personal statistics are not impressive.
Perhaps the main reason why the Bayern Munich player is included in this list is the amazing 2012-13 season for the entire Bavarian team. They won three major titles - the UEFA Champions League, the German Cup, and the championship. Without a doubt, F.Ribery contributed significantly to these wins.
Interestingly, the 30-year-old player is more productive this season than last, although only half a season has passed. In 22 matches playing for Bayern, the Frenchman has scored 12 goals, while F.Ribery scored only 11 goals in 43 matches in the "golden" season.
It is probably needless to remind that the "Ballon d'Or" award is a player's personal trophy, so personal results are more important this time than team results, although, of course, votes are given by various national team captains and coaches, for whom club titles can be a decisive factor.
2012-13 season stats: Goals scored - 16, Matches played - 53, Assists - 23.
2013-14 season stats: Goals scored - 16, Matches played - 27, Assists - 11.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona, 26 years old)
The current owner of four "Golden Balls," who was stopped by injuries last season and this season. While Messi was not hindered by these issues, he played in his style - "I'll score as much as I play." Indeed, last year, the player scored 45 goals in 46 matches.
The leader of Barcelona has been triumphing in these elections from 2009 to 2012. However, it seems that this time he may be left without the most prestigious award, although his statistics are excellent, they do not match Cristiano Ronaldo's.
But the Argentine national team member outperformed the leader of Real Madrid in club trophies won. L.Messi triumphed with Barcelona in the Spanish "Primera" league and the "Supercup" in 2013, where they competed against the "royal" club's abuser, Atletico Madrid.
Many football specialists believe that C.Ronaldo's amazing statistics should help him win the second "Golden Ball," but others are convinced that F.Ribery is more likely to win these awards, while others still believe in Messi's chances.
2012-13 season stats: Goals scored - 75, Matches played - 59, Assists - 18.
2013-14 season stats: Goals scored - 16, Matches played - 18, Assists - 5.
Eurofootball.com Poll
"Eurofootball.com" portal recently conducted a poll, in which 1834 visitors participated. The question was: "Who will win the "Golden Ball" award?" 1238 (68%) visitors chose Cristiano Ronaldo to win this trophy, while 323 (18%) votes went to Lionel Messi. In last place with 273 (15%) votes were Franck Ribery.
The results are very clear - visitors of the most visited football portal in Lithuania are convinced that the striker of the Spanish "Primera" runners-up will become the best football player in the world, with representatives of Barcelona and Bayern clubs behind him.
