Ballon d’Or 2017: Neymar, Dybala, Kane, Kante Shortlisted

The first 15 nominees for the Ballon d’Or award given to the world’s best player have been announced.

The other 15 players to complete the 30-man list will be unveiled later on Monday.

Neymar Jr, Luka Modric, Marcelo, Paulo Dybala have all been included among the first 15 players to be revealed by organisers France Football magazine.

Others are Premier League midfielders Philippe Coutinho, Kevin de Bruyne and N’Golo Kante, plus Manchester United keeper David de Gea.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both expected to be named on the shortlist.

Ronaldo, who is the favourite to defend his crown, will be looking to match Messi’s five trophies.

Ballon d’Or 2017 shortlist so far;

Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool and Brazil), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City and Belgium), David de Gea (Manchester United and Spain), Paulo Dybala (Juventus and Argentina), Edin Dzeko (Roma and Bosnia-Herzegovina), Harry Kane (Tottenham and England), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea and France), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich and Poland), Marcelo (Real Madrid and Brazil), Dries Mertens (Napoli and Belgium), Luka Modric (Real Madrid and Croatia), Neymar (Paris St-Germain and Brazil), Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid and Slovenia), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain), Luis Suarez (Barcelona and Uruguay).