Barcelona's Argentine great Messi, who took the honour for a record fifth time last year, or Real Madrid's Portuguese three-time winner Ronaldo have taken the coveted accolade every year since 2007, when AC Milan's Kaka won. Despite a dip in form this season, Ronaldo, who inspired Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and Real Madrid to the Champions League crown last season, is hot favourite to regain his title. Mahrez and Borussia Dortmund's Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the only players on the list who hail from outside Europe or South America. France Football magazine, who have awarded the Ballon d'Or every year since 1956, announced the shortlist, with the winner set to be announced in January. For the past six years it was the FIFA Ballon d'Or until world football's governing body ended its association with the award in September.

Source: bd News24 October 24, 2016 19:30 UTC