Many of the nominees were all-but guarantees to appear on the list ... both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were not nominated for the Ballon d'Or. Messi, in particular, has a strong argument ...

Seven of our men’s squad made the 30-man list of nominees, while we have three members ... “That makes us so proud for our organisation and for all of us. “Always I said the Ballon D’or should be two ...

The Ballon d'Or nominees list has been released with both Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo missing. It is the first time since 2003 that neither Messi, 37, and Ronaldo, 39, have made the nominations.

as well as second Ballon d'Or among her many individual honours, she has to be one of the favourites this time again. But there is some stiff competition out there, including US gymnast Simone Biles.