2016 Ballon d’Or: Ronaldo, Bale Top 30 Man Shortlist

Real Madrid superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were among the first nominees for the 2016 Ballon d’Or announced by France Football on Monday.

Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Juventus veteran Gianluigi Buffon were also included among the first nominees.

Also making the list are Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Diego Godin (Atlético Madrid), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid) and Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli/Juventus).

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This edition of the Ballon d’Or, 2016, sees the trophy return exclusively to France Football. Since the 2010 edition it’s been run in conjunction with Fifa. However the agreement with Fifa has now come to an end and France Football will be running the competition. One of the main changes this brings is that the voting returns to its original format, with only journalists in Europe voting; with Fifa’s involvement coaches and captains of national sides also voted.

The full list of 30 will be completed as nominees are announced in groups of five every two hours on Monday. With the first five being published at 8am. Thereafter: 10am, 2pm, 4pm, 6:15pm and 6:30pm (CEST).

The last eight awards have been won by only two men – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo winning it three times and Messi five—and the Real star is a strong favourite to prevail again this year after winning the 2016 champions league and Euro 2016 with Real Madrid and Portugal respectively.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony, will recognise the best player in the world in 2016, and will be awarded before the end of the year.

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