The 20 favourites for the 2022 Ballon d'Or have been ranked after Real Madrid's UCL win

In March, France Football announced a huge change to the Ballon d’Or voting.

From the 2021/22 season onwards, the award will now be given to the best player over a standard European season rather than during a calendar year.

That means players have done all they can following the conclusion of the Champions League, which Real Madrid were victorious.

The award will be given out in October.

But who are the favourites to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or? Goal have ranked the 20 biggest contenders and you can view their list below…

20. Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Leao scored 14 goals and recorded 14 assists in 2021/22 as AC Milan were crowned Serie A champions.

19. Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Mahrez scored 24 times for Manchester City in all competitions this season.

18. Rodri (Manchester City)

Rodri has emerged into one of Man City’s key players in recent times.

17. Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

Son Heung-min had an extraordinary season. He won the Premier League Golden Boot (alongside Mohamed Salah) with 24 goals.

16. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

After missing much of the 2020/21 season through injury, Van Dijk has re-emerged into the world’s best centre-back this season.

15. Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool)

Thiago has had his fair share of injury problems but he is a delight to watch when fully fit.

14. Luis Diaz (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s decision to sign Diaz in a £37.5m deal in January was an inspired one. He’s been electric for the Reds.

13. Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

Nkunku directly contributed to a ridiculous 55 goals (35 goals, 20 assists) for RB Leipzig in 2021/22. A move to one of the world’s biggest clubs is on the cards.

12. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Silva is a joy to watch. He more than played his part as Man City