Even though France Football wants to make the Ballon D’Or award more individual-based, it will take years to see it truly reflect. The major factors will always depend on how well the teams perform. That is why many consider the UCL final between Real Madrid and Liverpool the decider. In reality, how much impact can the match result have on who wins the award?
Maybe the Ballon D’Or scheme won’t change so much from the previous years. It is clear the battle is between Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane. Lucky for them, they both have a last chance to turn things their way.
Big Benz, in Madrid, has already won the league and many hearts with crucial goals and excellent performances, while Mane has more exhibits (AFCON, Carabao Cup, important goals, instrumental in his team’s campaign). Before the recent UCL knockouts, Karim was in a comfortable pole position for the honor. He had completely overshadowed every other player. The situation is different today, although Benz still leads the race.
There can be several scenarios in the ultimate game and each has its own impact level on the Ballon D’Or power rankings.
First case is Madrid wins, and Benzema excels. That’ll be just the last step to the award.
Second, a Madrid win with an average Benz show. The fact that Madrid lifts the trophy will keep the surrounding hype, something voters cannot ignore.
Third, Liverpool wins, and Mane excels. If the player can perform extraordinary on the day, it will surely convince many to favor him. Whether it will be enough to win him the award, only time can tell.
Also, Liverpool wins with no excellent Mane show. Even though the Ballon D’Or shouts will increase, the argument cannot be strong. A similar situation Jorginho had last season.
They both can shine or flop in the game. That way, it boils down to how the various fan bases can give their players the push they need to win votes.
We are about to witness an all-to-play-for game and a PR banter. As it stands, Mane needs a strong convincing case to overtake the Madrid talisman. Anything can happen during and after the game.
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