France Football has released list of 2018 Ballon d'Or nominees
What's the story
Awarded first in 1956, Ballon d'Or is considered the most coveted individual honor in football.
The excitement around the award is paralleled by none, and the anticipation reached a new level for football fans after the list of the top 30 nominees was released by France Football.
Here is a look at the history of the award and the likely winners, this time around.
History
The history of this illustrious award
Ballon d'Or was first awarded in 1956, and the recipient was Stanley Matthews of the English club Blackpool.
Till 1995, non-Europeans were not considered eligible for the award, and George Weah of AC Milan finally broke through in 1995 as the first African and non-European to win the Ballon d'Or.
In 1997, Brazilian Ronaldo became the first South American to win the prestigious trophy.
Nominees
Who are the nominees this term?
Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi are the favorites to enter into the final rounds of voting.
Antoine Griezmann is among the nominees along with compatriots Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Kylian Mbappe.
Neymar has also been shortlisted.
We believe someone from the aforementioned accomplished individuals will lift the trophy this term.
Here is the complete list of nominees.
Women
Inaugural Women's Ballor d'Or: Who are the nominees?
France Football had earlier announced that it will be launching the Women's Ballon d'Or, for the first time, this year.
At that time, France Football's editor had said the immense growth of women's football tells it is time for women to have an equal footing.
Fran Kirby and Lucy Bronze are the two favorites, along with Marta, to win the award this term.
Likely winner
Who is the most likely to win this term?
After winning FIFA Best 2018 and UEFA Player of The Year, it is a no-brainer that Luka Modric is the hot favorite to take home the Ballon d'Or.
The last 10 awards have been won by only two players CR7 and Messi and this is why you can't rule these legends out.
Legend Marta is likely to win the inaugural edition of women's award.