Ballon d'Or 2014 Predictions: Who Are the Early Contenders for the Award?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both the favorites to take home the Ballon d'Or in 2014. But there are a few other stars that could make life difficult for them. Here are the other top contenders for the award in 2014.

Neymar

Messi's Barcelona buddy had a terrific 2013 that featured a Confederations Cup victory as well as terrific run for Barcelona in the second half of the year. At just 21, Neymar is not even close to his peak and will only get better. He may not eclipse Messi's scoring rate, but he could lift one trophy that his teammate will not—The World Cup. Neymar's Brazil is not only the host of the tournament, but also the favorite to lift the trophy. Neymar was given the golden ball in last year's Confederations Cup for a terrific performance in the tournament and it is possible that he tops the feat in 2014. If Neymar wins the World Cup and scores at a solid rate, then the trophy is his.

Luis Suarez

Suarez's Uruguay is also a favorite to win the World Cup (not as much as Brazil is though) and Suarez will likely be at the center of this if the team does. However, Suarez has another thing in his favor regarding the Ballon d'Or. The superstar is currently helping Liverpool regain its stature in the Premier League and it is possible that the team not only contends for the title in England, but also manages to make a return to the Champions League in 2014-15. Throw in the fact that Suarez has been on a terrific goal-scoring pace to end 2013 and you have all the ingredients for a major Ballon d'Or contender.

Franck Ribery

Ribery's France is unlikely to make a splash in Brazil, but the Frenchman could use the tournament to add to what will likely be a great year for him. He was the big star for Bayern Munich in the German side's historic 2013 and it is likely that he will also be the main man if Munich repeats in 2014. The team looks likely to win two of the three trophies it earned in 2013; the Champions League looks to be the most difficult but even that trophy looks like Munich's to lose. If Munich repeats its 2013 in 2014, then Ribery will likely get more recognition as the voters look to give him a second crack at the trophy.

Other contenders

Mesut Ozil could be a contender if Arsenal manages a Premier League title and/or Germany has a terrific World Cup. Xavi, Andres Iniesta or Cesc Fabregas could also be in the running if Barcelona and/or Spain have a historic year. Radamel Falcao could also be in the running if Colombia has a terrific World Cup and he manages to get Monaco back in the Champions League.