As the dust settles on Robert Lewandowski's win in 2020, Goal runs the rule over which players could claim the prize in 10 years' time…

With Goal 50 over for another year, thoughts now turn to who the early contenders could be to win the awards for the best players of next year.

On the men's side of the list, the same faces will likely feature again, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and 2020 winner Robert Lewandowski predicted to be fighting it out towards the top once more.

But what happens when the established superstars retire? How will the world game, and the battle for its biggest individual awards, look come 2030?

Well, while forecasting 10 years into the future of any sport is dangerous, Goal has run the rule over some of the youngsters who look set to find themselves challenging to win Goal 50 in a decade's time…

Getty ImagesFrenkie de Jong

Though his first season at Barcelona did not fully live up to expectations, the Netherlands international is still expected to be a mainstay of the Blaugrana midfield for the next decade.

By the time Goal 50 comes around in 2030 the ex-Ajax star will be 33, and with a strong generation of Dutch talent looking set to emerge over the next few years, De Jong could well be the experienced leader of successful teams at both club and international level in a decade's time.

AdvertisementGettyChristian Pulisic

Because of how young he was when he broke through at Borussia Dortmund, it is easy to forget that Pulisic is still just 22 and has the best years of his career still in front of him.

His performances during the second half of last season for Chelsea suggested he has all the tools to become a Premier League superstar, and with the USMNT currently putting together an exciting young squad, Pulisic could yet have an international team to match his own supreme talent.

GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold

Right now, Alexander-Arnold is regarded by many as one of the best right-backs in world football.

However, a number of observers have predicted that over the course of the next 10 years the Liverpool star will transition into a central midfielder, with his energy and creativity making him an ideal candidate to become a world-class No.8.

If he does so, then at the age of 31 the England international could have mastered two positions by the time 2030 comes around.

GettyKylian Mbappe

Probably the most valuable footballer anywhere in the world right now, the sky is the limit for Mbappe over the next decade as he bids to become the undisputed best player on the planet.

In truth, it would be a surprise if Mbappe has not won at least one Goal 50 prize between now and 2030, but he will still be just 31 in a decade's time and as such still at an age where he is likely to be among the elite.