Real Madrid star Modric became the first player other than Ronaldo or Messi to win the award since Kaka in 2007. The Croatian helped Real to Champions League glory and led his national side to the World Cup final in Russia. However, both Ronaldo and Messi opted to stay away from the ceremony as his success was recognised with the coveted gong - despite Ronaldo finishing as runner-up to his former Real team-mate. Luka Modric won the Ballon d'Or at the beginning of December“It is not fair to their playing colleagues, or to the voters who have nominated them for the past 10 years – nor for football or supporters. Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend the awards ceremonyLionel Messi also snubbed the ceremony

Source: Express December 15, 2018 11:26 UTC