Live World Football News_Five News Daily_11.10.2017_#1

mmo21st (29)in #sport • 7 years ago (edited)

#1. Neymar headlines early Balon d'Or shortlist

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Paris Saint-German and Brazil superstar Neymar headlines a list of 10 players, out of a possible 30, in contention for the Ballon d'Or in 2017.

According to a report by France football, the 25-year-old is in the running for the crown of the world's best player, although the full 30-man shortlist has yet to be fully released.

The French publication has chosen to stagger the release of the full list over the course of Monday (9 October), with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi yet to be named.

Nonetheless, the first 10 players have been revealed with the Brazilian arguably the favourite amongst the others who were picked. Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos and Barcelona's Luis Suarez are some other high-profile names listed.

The Ballon d'Or is decided solely by a select panel of journalists after FIFA and France Football ended their relationship in 2015. Historically, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award over the last nine years, with the Argentina forward bagging five gongs, and the Portugal record-setter securing four.

It is widely thought that the Real Madrid man will take the crown in 2017 after winning the Euro championships with his country, as well as La Liga and the UEFA Champions League with his club.

10-man list (of a possible 30 to be named): Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool) Paulo Dybala (Juventus) N'Golo Kante (Chelsea) Marcelo (Real Madrid) Dries Mertens (Napoli) Luka Modric (Real Madrid) Neymar (PSG) Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Luis Suarez (Barcelona)