This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
July 3, 2019, marked a significant turning point in the Ballon d'Or race as Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk overtook Lionel Messi to become the favourite to win the prestigious award.
According to a recent report, Van Dijk's impressive performance in Liverpool's Champions League campaign, which ended with a victory over Barcelona, has propelled him to the top of the list.
Meanwhile, Messi's disappointing Copa America exit at the hands of Brazil has seen him slip to second place in the betting odds, with the Argentine star now priced at 6/5 to win the award.
Van Dijk's rise to the top of the Ballon d'Or race is a testament to his outstanding form last season, during which he played a vital role in Liverpool's successful campaign.
The Dutchman's impressive performance earned him the PFA Player of the Year award, and he is now closing in on becoming the first Liverpool star to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
Bookmakers are tipping Van Dijk as a 4/6 favourite to win the award, with Cristiano Ronaldo a distant third at 12/1.
