Joshua Kimmich believes Bayern Munich teammate Robert Lewandowski would be battling it out with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne had the Ballon d'Or award gone ahead as usual.
Just over a week ago it was announced that for the first time since 1956, the prestigious prize will "take a break" in 2020 due to the impact of coronavirus on the football season.
France Football, who organise the award, decided it was not right to determine a winner and that news will no doubt have disappointed Lewandowski following a stellar season.
The Poland marksman struck a ridiculous 51 times in 43 appearances this season, including 11 goals in the Champions League - where he is the top scorer as we prepare for competition's restart next week.
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Many felt it was Lewandowski's year after firing Bayern to yet another Bundesliga title, but Kimmich feels he would have faced competition from usual Ballon d'Or suspects Messi and Ronaldo - as well as De Bruyne - who has 15 goals and 22 assists in all competitions.
Kimmich told Goal: "Of course, like always, [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] would be in contention.
"And for me, I think Kevin De Bruyne played an outstanding season, so maybe him."
Meanwhile, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes the decision to scrap the Ballon d'Or was "not very fair" as the former Dortmund striker would have been right in the mix following the best season of his career.
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"I believe Robert Lewandowski is playing a fantastic season and he performed maybe the best season in his career," Rummenigge said in a press conference.
"Unfortunately, France Football cancelled the Ballon d'Or, which we are not very happy [about]. In the end, it's not very fair - not just for Bayern but also for Robert Lewandowski, who might have won.
"I believe it's very important that in a season that, except the French league, [were] performed through to the end of the season, it has to be possible to give the Ballon d'Or to the best footballer in the world.
"Of course, I believe, in those circumstances, Robert would have a good chance to win it for the first time in his career."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Joshua Kimmich, Kevin de Bruyne, Cristiano Ronaldo
