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In the past year, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best football players ever, left European football in pursuit of one final lucrative contract.  

Meanwhile, other legendary football figures, including Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Neymar Jr, Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Gareth Bale, have also departed Europe or retired. These developments have created a void that needs to be filled, and in this discussion, we will explore the upcoming group of players poised to dominate the football world for the next decade while offering a few bet predictions. 

Although Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have undoubtedly boosted interest in the MLS and SPL, European football remains unrivalled as the dominant force in the beautiful game, and there is no sign of its appeal diminishing anytime soon. European teams and leagues have dedicated decades, and in some cases, centuries, to cultivating passionate fan bases akin to cult followings. This enduring appeal ensures that the pinnacle of football continues to reside within the confines of the European continent. 

As we approach the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, there's widespread speculation that Lionel Messi will clinch the award for an unprecedented eighth time, thanks to his outstanding performance at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Argentine forward had a solid stint with PSG, but he truly shone on the World Cup stage, concluding the tournament with seven goals and three assists in his seven appearances. He was one of just three Argentine players who played every minute of their campaign, rightfully earning the title of the tournament's most valuable player. **BetKing** offers the best odds, currently **at 1.12,** for our online sports betting community, predicting Messi to be crowned the Ballon D'Or winner. 

● Bet on Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or 

Chasing closely behind Messi in the race for the award is Erling Haaland. In a non-World Cup year, the Norwegian would undoubtedly be the frontrunner for the honor, considering the pivotal role he played in Manchester City's historic treble-winning campaign. Haaland netted a Premier League record of 36 goals for the Citizens, adding 12 more in the Champions League and securing the Golden Boot in that competition as well. While it's unlikely that he will pip Messi to the award, football has a way of delivering surprises. At **odds of 5.50,** we offer exceptionally high odds, providing the best value for money among all betting sites for this outcome. 

● Bet on Erling Haaland to win the Ballon d’Or 

**Player Well Positioned To Win The Ballon d’Or Over The Next Decade** 

Over the past 15 years, an obvious pattern has emerged in the quest to win the Ballon d'Or. It typically involves fulfilling at least two of the following three criteria: a standout performance in an international tournament (preferably the World Cup), victory in the Champions League, and extremely impressive statistics. In this time frame, only two players, or three if we include Robert Lewandowski, have claimed the title of the world's best player, apart from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Notably, these players met at least two of these crucial criteria. 

Luka Modrić played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's 2018 Champions League triumph, which was followed by his inspirational leadership in taking Croatia to their first-ever World Cup final. Karim Benzema also made a remarkable impact by guiding Real Madrid to a Champions League victory in 2022, scoring 44 goals that season, including an impressive 15 in the UCL itself.  

Robert Lewandowski was the linchpin for Bayern Munich three seasons ago, as he led them to their second-ever treble. He scored a remarkable 55 goals during that campaign and contributed 10 assists. Although he was not officially awarded the Ballon d'Or that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic which saw the award suspended for a year, it was widely accepted that he was the planet's best player; something Lionel Messi was quick to acknowledge the next year when he received the award for the 7th time. With these in mind, here are a few players well positioned to win the award over the next decade.  

 

**The No-Brainers**  

**Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland** 

For these two players, it's not a matter of "if" but "when" they will win the Ballon d'Or. They undeniably stand as the finest talents of their generation, consistently showcasing their extraordinary abilities. At the tender age of 19, Kylian Mbappé played a pivotal role in France's 2018 World Cup triumph. In a memorable Round of 16 clash against Argentina, he became the youngest player since Pele to score a World Cup brace, propelling his team to a thrilling 4-3 victory. During the recent World Cup final, he etched his name in history alongside England's Geoff Hurst (1966) by scoring a hat-trick in the final, although France ultimately fell to Argentina in a penalty shootout. 

● Bet on Kylian Mbappé to win the Champions League Golden Boot 

Erling Haaland has been a menace to opposing defences since his teenage years, and English clubs are now experiencing this firsthand. As previously discussed, he led Manchester City to their first ever treble, and it's expected that he will bring more European silverware to the Etihad Stadium before his time there is done. 

● Bet on Erling Haaland to Retain the Champions League Golden Boot 

**Top Contenders**  

**Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Jamal Musiala and Pedri**  

These four players stand out as some of the best in their respective age groups, and their clubs (Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona) all but guarantee they will consistently compete for the Champions League title year after year. The fact that their countries are some of the best on the international level also adds to their chances.   

Vinicius Jr. has already secured the coveted Champions League trophy with the Galacticos and has earned a place in the Team of the Season for the past two years. Pedri's exceptional performance at EURO 2020 earned him recognition as he was named to the Team of the Tournament and named Young Player of the Tournament at just 17 years old. Jamal Musiala was arguably Bayern Munich's most reliable attacker last season, and his heroic performance on the last day secured them a dramatic Bundesliga victory. He also stood out as the lone bright spot in Germany's 2022 World Cup campaign, which regrettably ended in an embarrassing group stage exit. 

Jude Bellingham has consistently showed his exceptional talent since leaving the shores of England. Many argue, with good reason, that had he been fit towards the end of the last season, Dortmund could have clinched the Bundesliga title. In his last season with the German side, he tallied an impressive 14 goals and 7 assists, and since his €103 million move to Real Madrid, his offensive efficiency has markedly improved. At just 20 years old, he is the frontrunner for the Golden Boy award, and our betting tips suggest he is the likely recipient of the award. 

● Bet on Jude Bellingham to win the 2023 Golden Boy Award 

**The Oldies** 

**Harry Kane and Kevin De Bruyne**  

These two exceptional players may not dominate European football for much longer, particularly Kevin De Bruyne, who has grappled with injuries in recent seasons. However, as we've witnessed with Karim Benzema and Luka Modrić—two players who met 2/3 of the aforementioned criteria—these seasoned, world-class athletes possess the potential to deliver magical seasons. 

Last season, while Erling Haaland garnered much of the spotlight at Manchester City, there are still those who believe that Kevin De Bruyne was the team's standout performer. As for Harry Kane, his move to Bayern Munich could indeed prove to be a masterstroke. He has seamlessly adapted to the Bundesliga and might very well lead his team to a coveted Champions League victory. The forthcoming EUROs and the 2026 World Cup offer promising opportunities, with England expected to perform exceptionally well in these tournaments. It's entirely plausible that the stars could align for the Three Lions' captain. 

● Bet on Bayern Munich to win the Champions League 

**The Darkhorse(s)** 

**Bukayo Saka, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Endrick**  

Bukayo Saka and Rodri have already established themselves as key players for their respective clubs in England, and in the coming seasons, it's highly likely that they will receive multiple nominations for the Ballon d'Or. Both are exceptional talents, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them emerge as top contenders, akin to Jorginho, who finished as a runner-up a few years ago. 

● Bet on Arsenal to finish in the Top 2 in the Premier League 

At just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal is another promising prospect to watch, but his trajectory will depend significantly on how he is managed in the upcoming years. In terms of talent, there's no doubt he possesses the qualities necessary to become a top-tier player. 

The most intriguing name on this list is Endrick. Despite being only 17 years old and yet to experience European football, the Brazilian striker has generated considerable excitement and attention. Drawing comparisons to Neymar from over a decade ago, it's clear that he has the potential to thrive at the highest level in Europe. Real Madrid has already invested €60 million in his services, and he will join the club from Palmeiras once he turns 18. Endrick played a role in Palmeiras winning last season's Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, and there are widespread expectations that he will follow in the footsteps of other great Brazilians and replicate that success at the Santiago Bernabéu. 

● Bet on Palmeiras to win the Brasileiro Serie A 

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With Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi out of Europe for the first time in 20+ years, who will take over the mantle of the world's best? Haaland? Mbappe? Who?

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Who's Got Next? Players Best Placed To Take Over From Messi & Ronaldo