Ronaldo, Kane headline 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist

Sergio Aguero, Gareth Bale Bale, Eden Hazard, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are also in the running for the prestigious honour given out by France Football Magazine.

Portuguese Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was shortlisted in the Balon d'Or nominees alongside FIFA World Cup Golden boot winner Harry Kane in the 30-man list announced by the France Football Magazine.

Ronaldo who has been in the headlines nowadays after the serious rape accusations have also made the cut to the red carpet and it will be interesting to see whether he manages to keep hold of his title this year as well.

The names were being announced in a group of 5s, so Ronaldo alongside was accompanied by former teammates Raphael Varane, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos.

England captain, Kane's name was announced on Monday along with Chelsea duo N'Golo Kante and Eden Hazard. Liverpool had a great season last time out as the reached the Champions League finals where they eventually lost to Real Madrid but their efforts bore fruit as both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane also make their way into the nominations.

Obvious nominees like Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Lloris were also considered because of their World Cup triumph in Russia with the Les Blues.

Five-time Balon d'Or winner Lionel Messi and PSG's main man Neymar were also obvious inclusions in the race to win the prestigious award.

The names of the 30 nominees were released in a group of 5s which added to the curiosity of the football fanatics all over the world as one player from these nominated ones will be taking home the prestigious Balon d'Or on the 3rd of December in Paris.

The list of nominees is mainly overseen by the editorial personnel of France Football, then by voting, the winner is selected by international journalists, one representing each country.

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The prestigious award is given keeping three main criteria in mind, first being the player's performance in that calendar year. Secondly judgement of their talent and fair play and lastly coming to their individual accolades over the years in their career.

Every panel member is allowed to pick five nominees and rate them accordingly. Like their first nomination will get 6 points, the second pick will get four, third will get two points and the last with a single point.

The player with the maximum points after everyone's casting of votes in the panel is awarded with the Balon d'Or. In case of a tie, the player with most first picks bags the award.

2018 Ballon d'Or nominees