The glitzy ceremony for this year’s Ballon d’Or takes place later today (Monday, 22nd September).
And here are the main contenders.
OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph sealed a treble, and that means Dembélé may have just become the favourite — especially given he provided two assists in the final.
Dembélé finished the season with 33 goals in all competitions, having finally lived up his potential.
The 28-year-old has probably been the best performer in Europe’s top five leagues since the turn of the year.
He is out injured at the moment, but had started the season in strong form after helping PSG reach the final of the FIFA Club World Cup and win the UEFA Super Cup. Dembélé is the big favourite.
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RAPHINHA
Only Mohamed Salah bettered Raphinha’s tally of 56 goal involvements in all competitions this season, with the Brazilian having transformed into one of the world’s deadliest forwards under Hansi Flick.
Raphinha was key to Barcelona’s LaLiga-Copa del Rey double, while he also found the net in four Clasicos across the season.
Not many would have put money on the former Leeds United attacker being a Ballon d’Or contender, but Raphinha is right up there. He has already scored three times and laid on two assists in his opening six games across all competitions this season.
LAMINE YAMAL
Yamal will have the Golden Boy award wrapped up, and if he maintains this kind of form, there’s no way the 17-year-old won’t win the Ballon d’Or one day.
Could that be today?