A look at footballers shortlisted for Ballon d'Or 2019
What's the story
The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious football award a player could ever receive. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the space, with five titles each, the competition seems to be increasing with each passing season. As for the upcoming edition, there are a few surprise packages and a few notable misses, as we take a look at the shortlisted footballers.
Big misses
Last year's winner, Luka Modric, not shortlisted this time
The notable omissions in the shortlist among men happen to be the 2018 winner, Luka Modric, of Real Madrid, along with the world's most expensive player, Neymar, of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). While Modric faded out since guiding his nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, Neymar's reign at PSG has been marred by injuries and controversies, as the two miss out.
Impressive Megan
Megan Rapinoe among favorites to win women's award
As for women, the winner of the 2019 FIFA Award, USA's Megan Rapinoe is one of the favorite to win the award, this term. She came up with a dominating performance during the World Cup in July. Besides being the top scorer of the tournament, she also bagged the player of the tournament award, while her country won the World Cup
Dominant Liverpool
Liverpool dominate the list
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been a surprise package as seven of their men's players have been shortlisted. The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum make the list. However, it's van Dijk, who is among the rare defenders to be shortlisted. His fine defensive stint was amazing during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League success last season.
Killer Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe could challenge Messi and Ronaldo
Speaking of the favorites among men, Kylian Mbappe can bag his first title. Having finished as the highest goal-scorer last season in Ligue 1 makes him a top candidate. Meanwhile, as he celebrates his 21st birthday this December, he won't defend his Kopa trophy, for the best U-21 player.
Favorites
Messi and Ronaldo: The obvious favorites
As for the favorites, Messi and Ronaldo are undoubtedly the two men who are being backed, as both eye their sixth award. While Messi finished as the top goal-scorer in La Liga last season, with Barcelona winning the title, Ronaldo bagged two trophies, as he led Juventus to the Serie A title, asides leading Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title.