Lionel Messi named best footballer in Europe; Cristiano Ronaldo not even in top 10

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been named Europe's best footballer this year. On or hand, Juventus striker Cristia Ronaldo didn't even make it to  top 10 which has raised plenty of eyebrows around Europe.

ALSO RE | Lionel Messi gives his views on 'El Clasico', Cristia Ronaldo, Eden Hazard and more

In a list me by CIES Football Observatory, Europe's best players have been ranked based on ir performances this year. Messi, who won sixth Ballon d’Or award of his career on December 2, finished at top of charts with 413 points. At second place is Paris Saint Germain (PSG)’s Neymar Jr. with 391 points while AFC Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech surprisingly took third place.

Although Lionel Messi has been considered best player in Europe this year, two spots behind him are indeed surprising. Neymar hasn’t h his best year with Paris Saint-Germain. He has been struggling with injuries and off-court controversies. Ziyech, on or hand, has been a great asset for Ajax. He has shown his quality every week. However, t a lot of people will name him third-best player in Europe.

ALSO RE | Cristia Ronaldo's nt Jorge Mendes says Portuguese could retire at Juventus

Cristia Ronaldo t even in top 10 of World's best footballers

As for Cristia Ronaldo, he finds himself at 12th place, tied with Manchester City’s Riy Mahrez. Ronaldo came third in Ballon d’Or voting and doesn’t feature in top 10. Mohamed Salah, who came fifth in Ballon d'Or list, doesn't make cut too.

It’s fair to say 2019 hasn’t been best year for CR7, despite him winning Serie A and UEFA Nations League. He mand to score only 21 goals in league last season and has nine so far in this campaign.

ALSO RE | El Clasico preview: Lionel Messi and co. look to continue El Clasico winning streak

top ten list is as follows:

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 413 points

Neymar (PSG) – 391 points

Hakim Ziyech (Ajax) – 367 points

Kylian Mbappe (PSG) – 364 points

Angel di Maria (PSG) – 362 points

Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City) – 361 points

Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) – 355 points

Sio Mane (Liverpool) – 354 points

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) – 351 points

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 350 points

ALSO RE | Lionel Messi net worth, salary and his El Clasico record for Barcelona