Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski are some of the notable names on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon D’Or award released on Friday.
The list of nominees was published by the organizers, France Football.
Messi is bidding for a record-extending seventh title and will have to beat competition from 28 other players
Earlier this year, Messi won his first international honour as he led Argentina to a Copa America triumph in Brazil.
Among Messi’s biggest rivals is Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski, who broke Gerd Muller’s all-time single-season Bundesliga goal scoring record with 41 goals in the 2020-21 campaign.
The 2021 European Golden Shoe winner was the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or in 2020 when he spearheaded Bayern’s Treble success, but the award was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is another contender as he played a key role in his side’s Champions League triumph as well as Italy’s victory at Euro 2020.
The winner will be announced on November 29.
Ballon d’Or Nominees:
Riyad Mahrez
Ngolo Kante
Erling Haaland
Leonardo Bonucci
Mason Mount
Harry Kane
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Karim Benzema
Raheem Sterling
Nicolo Barella
Lionel Messi
Bruno Fernandes
Pedri
Luka Modric
Giorgio Chiellini
Kevin De Bruyne
Neymar
Ruben Dias
Lautaro Martinez
Simon Kjaer
Robert Lewandowski
Jorginho
Mohamed Salah
Cesar Azpilicueta
Romelu Lukaku
Cristiano Ronaldo
Gerard Moreno
Phil Foden
Kylian Mbappe
Luis Suarez
