Experts from the CIES Football Observatory used their statistical model to compile a ranking of the best football players of the past season. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
The research results were announced under the name "CIES Golden Ball". The top position in the ranking was taken by Barcelona's winger Lamin Yamal.
According to the CIES model, he was recognized as the most deserving player. In second place is Real Madrid's forward Kylian Mbappe, and the top three is completed by Barcelona's midfielder Pedri.
The following positions are occupied by Virgil van Dijk, Michael Olise, Mohamed Salah, Ousmane Dembele, Joshua Kimmich, Achraf Hakimi, and Vinicius Junior. Interestingly, although many experts considered Ousmane Dembele the main candidate for the Golden Ball, he only ranked seventh in the list.
The award ceremony will take place on Monday, September 22. This ranking is based on players' performance and statistical indicators throughout the season.
Additionally, this list helps to identify the highest-level players in the football world.
