Odds Shortening on Robert Lewandowski and Virgil van Dijk to Win 2020 Ballon d’Or
- As soccer comes back to the forefront of televisions across the world, it is time to look at the possible contenders for the 2020 Ballon d’Or
- Recently, Virgil van Dijk and Robert Lewandowski have shortened their odds, making them quiet sleepers to win this year’s prestigious trophy.
- Currently, the usual two favorites Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the most likely with odds of +225 and +400 respectively.
The Ballon d’Or is one of soccer’s most fabled and hallowed pieces of silverware. It is not the World Cup or Champions League, but for individual awards, there is no greater achievement won from a pitch. Luckily for soccer fans worldwide, we have been graced with two all-time greats who have made it very easy to predict over the past 12 years who will win. Those players are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, of course.
Matching up with history, those two are the early favorites this year once again in the Ballon d’Or odds. Messi and Ronaldo have goal contributions of 43 and 28 respectively across all competitions, but without trophies being handed out yet, it is impossible to tell the true favorite. It is important to remember that this award is voted on by sports journalists, which can make the outcome seem controversial or undeserved.
2020 Ballon d’Or Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | +225 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | +400 |
| Kevin de Bruyne | +500 |
| Kylian Mbappe | +600 |
| Sadio Mane | +800 |
| Robert Lewandowski | +1200 |
| Mo Salah | +1400 |
| Erling Haland | +1600 |
| Virgil van Dijk | +1600 |
| Neymar | +2000 |
| Raheem Sterling | +2000 |
| Harry Kane | +2500 |
| Paul Pogba | +2500 |
| Bruno Fernandes | +3300 |
| Eden Hazard | +3300 |
| Antoine Griezmann | +5000 |
| Bernardo Silva | +5000 |
| Jadon Sancho | +5000 |
| Timo Werner | +5000 |
| Ciro Immobile | +6600 |
| Joao Felix | +6600 |
| Jordan Henderson | +10000 |
Odds taken Jun. 3
Can a New Age of Stars Take Over the Ballon d’Or?
Nevertheless, as Messi and Ronaldo age out of the game, a new generation of stars is taking over. Stars like Kevin de Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe and Sadio Mane are shining brighter than ever, while omnipresent contenders such as Robert Lewandowski, Neymar, and Harry Kane lurk in the shadows. The field is truly open and the odds in our earlier prediction are somewhat irrelevant with the delay of the Champions League and Euro tournament this summer.
Since those early predictions, the odds board has seen some movement. Most noticeably in the case of Lewandowksi shortening from +1600 to +1200 and Virgil van Dijk from +2000 to +1600.
Most goals scored in Europe's top five leagues this season:
❍ Robert Lewandowski (28)
❍ Ciro Immobile (27)
❍ Timo Werner (24)Lewy takes the lead. pic.twitter.com/NWdlYM1Gae
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 30, 2020
Those major trophies are generally massive checkmarks for players looking to rise up the rankings. Even winning the Premier League for players like Mane, Salah, van Dijk, and Henderson could take them over players like de Bruyne or Lewandowski. Even individual awards like the PFA Player of the year are imperative to be able to make an informed decision. Jordan Henderson is a favorite for that but is so low in the rankings, which goes to show the Ballon d’Or can be a partial popularity contest.
ON THIS DAY: In 2019, Virgil van Dijk completed an entire Champions League campaign without being successfully dribbled past by a single opponent.
And a trophy to go with it. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tsl0xIatEL— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 1, 2020
Are There Any Serious Challengers to Messi or Ronaldo?
The answer to the question above is, yes. That answer’s name is Kylian Mbappe. With 39 goal contributions so far, and a massive shot to win this year’s Champions League Mbappe should be the smartest bet to win the award, outside of the top two. PSG were already awarded the Ligue 1 trophy, and Mbappe could have done even more with a shot to win the Euros this summer.
Have a look at this video if you think Lionel Messi doesn't deserve Ballon d'Or because of what happened at Anfield. pic.twitter.com/AWYTC2AxcR
— – (@MessiCF10) May 28, 2020
As a French football award, Mbappe probably has a slight edge over the other competitors, despite his young age. You can make a legitimate case for many of the players on this list. But when it comes down to brass tacks, it is important to remember history. History tells us that as long as Ronaldo and Messi grace our turf, one of them will take that shiny football home with them from France.
Best Bet
Overall, the best bet from the entire award pool is none other than Lionel Messi. His goal contributions are staggering at his age, and Ronaldo at Juventus is comparable to an NFL fullback who has ten touchdowns from the goal line. An electric Ronny we once knew in Manchester and Madrid has turned into a true goal poacher, scoring a quarter of his goals this year from the penalty spot.
Messi has continued to dominate La Liga, and still could lift UEFA’s ol’ big ears, whenever the Champions League resumes play. The Argentinian’s resume is gleaming with reasons why he should win his record, seventh Ballon d’Or, and what an achievement that would be at age 32.
My Pick: Messi +225
Josh Ricker is a freelance sports journalist, currently attending the University of Southern Maine (Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Marketing). He has recently interned with the AA Portland Sea Dogs, and his work has been featured on Fansided, as well as now here on SBD.
