The trio of stars, Modric, Messi, and Ronaldo, have been joined by the likes of Harry Kane, Eden Hazard, and Kylian Mbappe in the 30 shortlists for the Ballon d’Or 2018.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne are among 11 Premier League players on the list.
The Ballon d’Or, first presented in 1956, is given to the best player of the year.
A ceremony to announce the winner of the prestigious award will take place in Paris on 3 December, when a women’s award will also be presented for the first time.
Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero is a contender, as are Liverpool keeper Alisson and forwards Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Paul Pogba, of Manchester United, Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are also selected.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Juventus from Real Madrid in the summer, won last year’s Ballon d’Or and is again a contender along with five-time winner Lionel Messi.
Tottenham’s Kane, 25, who is shortlisted alongside team-mate Hugo Lloris, helped England reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia, while 29-year-old Bale scored twice for Real Madrid in the Champions League win over Liverpool.
Check Out Full List Of The 30 Ballon d’Or Nominees
Men Nominees:
- Sergio Aguero
- Alisson Becker
- Gareth Bale
- Karim Benzema
- Edinson Cavani
- Thibaut Courtois
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Roberto Firmino
- Diego Godin
- Antoine Griezmann
- Eden Hazard
- Isco
- Harry Kane
- N’Golo Kante
- Hugo Lloris
- Mario Mandzukic
- Sadio Mane
- Marcelo
- Kylian Mbappe
- Lionel Messi
- Luka Modric
- Neymar
- Jan Oblak
- Paul Pogba
- Ivan Rakitic
- Sergio Ramos
- Mohamed Salah
- Luis Suarez
- Raphael Varane
Women Nomenees:
- Amandine Henry
- Amel Majri
- Wendie Renard
- Dzsenifer Marozsan
- Lucy Bronze
- Ada Hegerberg
- Saki Kumagai
- Marta
- Pernille Harder
- Lindsey Horan
- Fran Kirby
- Sam Kerr
- Lieke Martens
- Megan Rapinoe
- Christine Sinclair
