Sergio Ramos believes Luka Modric deserves to win FIFA's The Best award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo

FIFA had announced it's three-man shortlist for the 'The Best Men's Player of the Year 2018' award, with Juventus and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo leading the race for the prize along with his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, and Liverpool's Mohammed Salah.

READ: Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Mohammed Salah Nominated For FIFA 'The Best Men's Player Of The Year' Award; Lionel Messi Misses Out For First Time In Over A Decade

Ronaldo, scored 15 goals in 13 appearances, helping Real Madrid to their third consecutive UEFA Champions League title in 2017/18. After spending nine seasons in the Spanish capital, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made a shocking move to Juventus in search of a new challenge. The Portuguese skipper, who is the recipient of the award since the last two years, sees his streak come under major threat by Luka Modric, who recently won the UEFA 'Men's Player of the Year' award. 

When Sergio Ramos was asked to weigh in on the debate on who he thought deserved the award. The Real Madrid skipper believes that the Croatian is a deserving candidate to win the award, while he felt the other players were given awards based on their popularity off the field. The ESPN quoted Sergio Ramos as saying: "Maybe there are players with more marketing, with a bigger name but Modric deserves that award."

Luka Modric has enjoyed a stellar season both club and country. Present at the heart of the midfield he helped the Los Blancos defend their UEFA Champions League title successfully. The 32-year-old then followed his tremendous form with his country, guiding them to the final of the World Cup 2018. The Croatian playmaker was awarded the 'Golden Ball' award for his outstanding performances in Russia.

The outsider in this three-man list is Liverpool's, Mohammed Salah. The Egyptian enjoyed an extraordinary season with the Merseyside club, scoring 44 goals in all competitions for them in 2017/18 season. He finished third in the UEFA 'Men's Player of the Year', and his chances look slim against Ronaldo and Modric.

This year's FIFA award is expected to be the most closely fought since past many years. While many would have expected Ronaldo to easily win it again, the recent events tell a different story.

READ: Luka Modric Pips Cristiano Ronaldo, Mo Salah To Win UEFA Men's Player Of The Year

Modric had pipped his former teammate Ronaldo to the UEFA award recently. It created quite a stir, with the Portuguese not attending the ceremony, and later, his agent Jorge Mendes terming the result as a disgrace.