The 2019 Ballon D'Or Shortlist: Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Van Dijk And 27 Others

For the men's award, it look as if it will be a two way battle between Liverpool Van Dijk and Lionel Messi for Barcelona with the Cristiano Ronaldo looking at third.In August, Van Dijk was voted the UEFA player of the year award while Lionel Messi was named FIFA FIFpro best men,s player last month.The FIFA FIFpro voting was a lot closer Messi 46, Van Dijk 38 and Cristiano Ronaldo 36. Ronaldo and Messi have each won the Ballon D'Or five time finished as runners up five times.The other 27 nomination are : Sadio Mane, Sergio Augero, Frankie de Jong, Hugo Lloris, Dusan Tadic, Kylian Mbappe , Trent Alexander, Dony Van Der Beek, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Alisson, Mattijs Dr ligt, Karim Benzema, Georginio Wijnaldum, Bernardo Silva, Heung Min Son, Robert Lewondowski, Roberto Firmino , Kevin de Bruyne, Antoine Grizmann, Eden Hazard, João Felix, Kalidou Kaulibaly, Riyad Mahrez, Marquinhos, Mohammed Salah, Raheem Sterling.All the player shortlisted play in Europe. 15 players make a living in Premier league, laliga 7, Serie A 3, Ligue 1 and Erdivisie have 2 each, Budesliga 1.Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, back in his Manchester united playing days was last premier league player to win the award.One German player just one currently playing in the Bundesliga is something stands out. Another is no neymar.