Modric ends long reign of Messi, Ronaldo by winning Ballon d'Or

PARIS, Dec 04 (Agencies): Luka Modric ended the long reign of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning the Ballon d'Or for the first time on Monday, while another first saw Norwegian forward Ada Hegerberg win the inaugural women's trophy.

The 19-year-old Mbappe - the youngest player to score in a World Cup final - won the Raymond Kopa Trophy awarded to the best young player.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who does not turn 20 until later this month, starred as France won the World Cup and also won the best young player award in Russia.

The new award -- named after French former Ballon d'Or winner Raymond Kopa -- was voted for by 33 living former winners of the main Ballon d'Or prize. Mbappe was also among the 30 nominees to win that award.

Messi and Ronaldo had won every Ballon d'Or since 2008, and usually fought only each other for the greatest recognition among soccer's elite. Women's fight for recognition on the biggest stage took a big step with Hegerberg's award.

Modric won the Champions League with Real Madrid and then guided Croatia to the World Cup final in July. The midfielder was voted player of the tournament.

"As a kid we all have dreams. My dream was to play for a big club and win important trophies," Modric said. "The Ballon d'Or was more than just a dream for me and it is really an honor and a privilege to hold this trophy."

Ronaldo was second in the polling followed by France forward Antoine Griezmann. France's teen star, Kylian Mbappe, was fourth. Brazil star Neymar was third last year but only 12th this time. Messi was fifth in the voting, having been runner-up to Ronaldo the past two years and in the top three every year since 2007. Modric had never previously been in the top three.

Modric's father was shown on the big screen wiping away tears during the ceremony at the imperious Grand Palais in Paris.

France Football magazine has been awarding the Ballon d'Or since 1956, and created a women's award for the first time this year.

Hegerberg is a three-time Women's Champions League winner with French side Lyon and scored a tournament-record 15 times last season.

"I want to say thanks to France Football. It's a huge step for women's football," Hegerberg said. "I want to end this speech with a message to all young girls in the world. Believe in yourselves."

The outspoken 23-year-old Hegerberg said she won't play for Norway at the Women's World Cup in France next June.