Ballon d'Or 2018: Luka Modric beats Cristiano Ronaldo to award in Paris ceremony
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Luka Modric won the Ballon d'Or award for the first time on Monday, ending the 10-year dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Modric won the Champions League with Real Madrid and then guided Croatia to the World Cup final in July. He was voted player of the tournament.
"As a kid we all have dreams. My dream was to play for a big club and win important trophies," Modric said. "The Ballon d'Or was more than just a dream for me and it is really an honor and a privilege to hold this trophy."
Ronaldo was second in the Ballon d'Or followed by France forward Antoine Griezmann. France's teen star, Kylian Mbappe, was fourth in the polling. Brazil star Neymar, who was third last year, was a lowly 12th despite a domestic treble with Paris Saint-Germain.
Norwegian forward Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural women's Ballon d'Or.
Re-live the ceremony:
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
Antoine Griezmann with club and national team teammates Thomas Lemar and Lucas Hernandez.
↵I have a feeling, for some strange, unfathomable reason, that he just might
Modric has arrived at the Grand Palais with his wife and three children.....
The ceremony is being presented by former Newcastle, Spurs, Aston Villa and Everton man David Ginola!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments