5 Premier League players with Ballon d’Or clauses inserted into their contracts

The Ballon d'Or recognises the best footballer on the planet each year, so naturally it can be included in discussions when a player moves from one club to another.

Typically, the voting ahead of the ceremony isn't kind to English-based stars, with the last winner from the Premier League being Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

And since its inception in 1956, only six men from teams in England have picked up the gong.

But despite this track record, the most prestigious individual honour in world football features in the contracts of a number of top Prem players.

Daily Star Sport are taking a look at five who have Ballon d'Or clauses.

Anthony Martial

When Manchester United signed him in 2015, Anthony Martial was one of the hottest prospects on the scene.

To make sure they got a fair end of the deal, Monaco included a bonus as part of the transfer which would see United pay an extra £7.2m if he won the prize.

The French club believed it was "very realistic" after he had picked up the Golden Boy award, but the payout seems extremely unlikely six years on.

Mohamed Salah

Which player is most likely to win the award out of the five? Let us know in the comments section.

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Liverpool are sweating on the future of Mohamed Salah at present, a situation which isn't helped by a so-called 'secret clause' in his current deal.

As per Spanish outlet Don Balon, if the 29-year-old doesn't win the Ballon d'Or as a Reds player, he can leave and join either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

He's doing everything he can to put himself in contention for the prize, but winning it is extremely difficult, as a number of great players have found out.

Bruno Fernandes

Unlike Martial, fellow Red Devil Bruno Fernandes could genuinely win the prize in years to come.

His performances since moving to Old Trafford in January 2020 have been exemplary, though he may need to find another level to give himself a real chance of individual glory.

Sporting, Fernandes' former club, certainly think he can do it as they have a bonus clause in his United contract for if the time comes.

Thiago

Liverpool reportedly paid just £5m up front to Bayern Munich for Thiago, 30, last year.

The remainder of the £26m deal would then be made through several different clauses, with two being if they win the Premier League or Champions League.

And another states that should the midfielder win the Ballon d'Or, more money will head in the German side's direction.

Cristiano Ronaldo

With five awards to his name, a Ballon d'Or clause simply had to be included for Ronaldo's return to United in the summer.

It is the man himself who will benefit should he add a sixth to his collection.

The Portugal international will get an extra £1m for winning either the French award, the UEFA Player of the Year or the Champions League.

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