Messi and Neymar snubbed; Who will be 'The Best FIFA Men's Player 2018'

By Sandeep Kafle

FIFA has announced the official 3-man shortlist for its 7th annual award 'The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2018', and snubbed Leo Messi, while one African is among the nominees.

The final three contenders in the list are Cristiano Ronaldo (RM/JUVE/POR), Luka Modric (RM/CRO), and Mohamed Salah (LIV/EGY).

Cristiano Ronaldo has a chance to make a hat trick this time. He could claim a record sixth, FIFA Men’s Player of the year award winning Modric and Salah from the list as he does not have to compete with Messi.

The award was first introduced as the FIFA World Player of the year prize (1991-2009) before becoming the Ballon d'Or (2010-2015) and subsequently part of FIFA’S ‘The Best’ awards.

Ronaldo won a third successive champions league title with Real Madrid in 2017-18, finishing as top scorer in the competition and had Modric as a teammate. The Portuguese moved to Juventus last Summer after playing nine years for Madrid.

Modric helped Croatia to the World cup final, defeated by France, while Salah’s goals propelled Liverpool to the champions league final.

A victory by Salah or Modric would break a decade-old hold on the trophy by Messi and Ronaldo.

One of these three will be stepping up on 24 September to collect this prestigious award. The Awards ceremony is set to take place in London.

Have your guess on the comment section.

Photos: Xinhua