The Ballon d’Or is going to be an interesting competition this year, with neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo really in the running. It opens the door for a new breed of players, and some old faces too with the shortlist seeing a number of players in contention.

As usual, we’re looking to the bookies for the answer. They’ve put together their odds on the players who they believe will get the nod from the shortlist, and we’re here to run down the top five…

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema has really stepped out of Ronaldo’s shadow since the Portuguese star left Real Madrid and last season was perhaps his best in the white of Madrid. The Frenchman was in a rich goalscoring form, as well as captaining the side and winning a number of trophies, including the Champions League.

He was an integral part of Real winning the European trophy and that has put him as a firm favourite for the Ballon d’Or. He’s currently 1/33 with many bookmakers, making it pretty much a certainty he’ll win it.

Kylian Mbappe

There’s no doubt that Benzema’s fellow countryman Kylian Mbappe will win the Ballon d’Or at some point, but this season could be a longer shot. That said he’s second favourite after another good season with PSG. A move to the likes of Real Madrid or elsewhere could enhance his chances of the honour, but he’s currently priced at 16/1 to claim it this time around.

Mo Salah

Liverpool’s Mo Salah was in great form again last season and he’d certainly prove good value for the gong had it not been for Benzema’s season. Salah, alongside teammate Virgil van Dijk are both priced at 25/1, and perhaps if they’d have won the Premier League or Champions League they may have had more of a chance.

However, it wasn’t to be and it’s unlikely it will be when it comes to the Ballon d’Or either.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders on the planet at the moment and few could criticise if he was to be given the Ballon d’Or. He’s priced at 33/1 alongside a number of other players to get the award, including Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane, Vinicius Junior and Sadio Mane. Out of those players, however, it’s certainly the Belgian that is most likely to get the nod.