Cole Palmer might not have won at the Ballon d'Or, finishing eighth as Ousmane Dembele picked up the award, but the Chelsea superstar did manage to create some history on the night. As a result, Palmer has become the first player since Neymar to finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or rankings without playing Champions League football. Cole Palmer makes history at Ballon d'Or, matches NeymarOf course, many would point towards Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in 2016. But it is important to remember that the Ballon d'Or was based on achievements over the year back then, instead of a season. So, those two had played Champions League group stage football in the 16/17 campaign.