Ballon d’Or shortlist headlined by Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar
Real Madrid star Ronaldo looking to tie Lionel Messi’s record by winning footballer of the year prize for a fifth time
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar headline an impressive 30-man shortlist unveiled on Monday for the 2017 Ballon d’Or world footballer of the year award.
Portugal superstar Ronaldo is attempting to match Lionel Messi’s record by winning the prize for a fifth time after his starring role in Real Madrid’s first La Liga and Champions League double in 59 years.
Ronaldo has claimed the prestigious honour in three of the past four years, with Argentina stand-out Messi last collecting the trophy in 2015 following Barcelona’s treble-winning campaign.
The pair have combined to win the award – organised by France Football magazine – every year since former Brazil and AC Milan star Kaka won it in 2007.
Ronaldo remains the strong favourite despite still searching for his first league goal this season after serving a five-match domestic ban following his dismissal in the Spanish Super Cup.
