Ballon d’Or 2019 shortlist LIVE: Virgil van Dijk, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo favourites for prize

France Football will announce a 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist today with Virgil van Dijk, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among the favourites for the top gong. 

The most coveted individual prize in football – won last year by Real Madrid star Luka Modric – is again up for grabs. Modric was the first player in a decade to break the Mess-Ronaldo duopoly, and Van Dijk is the man tipped to beat them to the prize this year. 

The Liverpool man starred as Jurgen Klopp steered his charges to Champions League glory, while they pushed Man City all the way in a thrilling title race. His impressive form has continued this season, with the Reds six points clear after nine games. 

Van Dijk was crowned Uefa Player of the Year in August, with Messi named Fifa’s The Best Men’s Player the following month.