Karim Benzema's Nomination Proves the Ballon d'Or Is Nothing More Than a Popularity Contest

​Karim Benzema has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or after a disastrous 2017/18 season at Real Madrid, in what is a blatant reminder of everything wrong with the award: it's a massive popularity contest. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have the highest Facebook followings among football players, according to ​Statisca. These three stars were on the podium for the Ballon d'Or last year.  Messi and Ronaldo have won ten Ballon d'Or prizes between them. It is a shame that even if it... Via All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min http://www.90min.com/