Ballon d'Or

Goal takes a look at some of the most interesting facts surrounding the recent nominee announcement

The Croatia and Real Madrid playmaker could become the first player since Kaka to break the streak of the Barcelona and Juventus talismans

The pair will form part of a 33-man panel who will judge the game's outstanding up-and-coming young player

After making the podium in the voting during 2016, the 27-year-old believes he deserves to at least match the achievement from that year

The former Tottenham midfielder has played a pivotal part in his nation's amazing run to the World Cup final and is in contention for the Golden Ball

Ahead of Sunday's Clasico clash, a look at the two men who have dominated the individual award over the past decade and which one could win this year

The Egyptian has already been named PFA Player of the Year and he would be the favourite for the Ballon d'Or if he were to win the Champions League

The two men are leading the charge for their clubs at home and in Europe, but they will need to deliver like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

The Tottenham striker has reached 50 goals for the calendar year of 2017, but he believes he can do even more and become the best player on the planet

Is Ronaldo v Messi the greatest rivalry in the history of football after the Portuguese claimed a fifth Ballon d'Or.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner say he is "happy at Real" and believes he can play at a high level for a few more years

The shortlist for this year's award brings together the best footballers in the world - but can any player break Ronaldo and Messi's monopoly?

Cristiano Ronaldo will hope to draw level with Lionel Messi by winning the prestigious individual award for the fifth time in his career this week

The Poland international insists that he places no importance on the awarding of individual prizes, with the final list often leaving him bemused

The full 30-man list includes seven Real Madrid players following their second successive Champions League win last season