The Ballon d'Or is widely recognised as the biggest individual prize in world football, with this year's ceremony taking place on 29th November.
Lionel Messi leads the way after winning the award six times, while Cristiano Ronaldo is second in the list on five titles. Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, Chelsea midfielder Jorginho and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema are among the other names being touted for the prize.
It is going to be a closely run fight this year and GiveMeSport reported how YouTube channel BCHDGaming had used FIFA 22 to simulate who will win the award up until 2035.
If this tongue-and-cheek prediction comes anywhere close to being true, then it is very good news for Kylian Mbappe, while Erling Haaland may want to look away now!
Advert
2021 winner: Robert Lewandowski
2022 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2023 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2024 winner: Kylian Mbappe
Advert
2025 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2026 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2027 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2028 winner: Kylian Mbappe
Advert
2029 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2030 winner: Felix De Wolf
2031 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2032 winner: Marco Castro
Advert
2033 winner: Kylian Mbappe
2034 winner: Marco Castro
2035 winner: Felix De Wolf
If the above list is anything to go by, then Lewandowski should savour this year's award with Mbappe set to win what would be record-breaking seventh title by 2028.
Advert
The Frenchman is forecast to win eight in a row, with the run set to finally end when fictitious Dutchman Felix De Wolf claims the accolade in 2030.
It appears that parity is restored the following year when Mbappe wins his ninth golden ball, but he does not retain the prize on this occasion, as regen player Marco Castro takes home the award after a stellar year at Liverpool in 2032.
While this list is clearly a bit of harmless fun, there is still every possibility that Lewandowski could indeed claim the golden ball this year.
We will find out when the ceremony takes place on 29th November.
Topics: Liverpool, Chelsea, Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Jorginho