Luka Modric wins Golden Ball at World Cup 2018, is he now the Ballon d'Or frontrunner?

After being named the best player at World Cup, is Luka Modric now the frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or?

Modric was key to Croatia's historic run to the World Cup final, where they lost to France in a hugely entertaining game, to be awarded the Golden Ball.

The Ballon d'Or, football's most high-profile individual award, has been dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for over a decade.

Kaka in 2007 the last time one of the two superstars did not claim the prize, though Ronaldo and Messi finished second and third, respectively, that year.

Modric continues to enjoy a sensational 2018, his first season as Real Madrid's No.10 following James Rodriguez's departure.

The midfielder was a driving force in Real Madrid's third consecutive Champions League triumph and was, for the third time, named in the Champions League team of the season.

Modric finished in fifth place in last year's Ballon d'Or final standings, his best ever showing, and the highest-ranked Real Madrid player behind winner Ronaldo.

Does Modric deserve win the Ballon d'Or this year? Vote in our poll below...

Golden Ball winners