The 2017 Best FIFA Men’s Player Award is set to be dished out today at a ceremony in London.
Portugal and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentinian Barcelona star Lionel Messi – for the umpteenth time – are considered the front runners for the prestigious award.
Brazilian Neymar, now at Paris Saint-Germain but a team mate to Messi last season, is the third name for the award, but is not seen as a potential winner of the award, at least not just yet.
Should Ronaldo prevail, he will be on level wins with Messi, who currently has a record five Ballons d’Or trophies.
The Portugal captain won the award last year ahead of Messi, his fourth, and after a fantastic season with his club and country, might just pip the Argentine to the award again.
Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League, La Liga and FIFA Club World Cup.
The 32 year old netted 42 times in all competitions setting a few records while at it.
He became the first player to score more than 100 goals in European competitions, also becoming Portugal’s all-time scorer.
Messi netted 54 times, but only won the Copa del Rey.
Other awards to be given include Coach of the Year and the Puskas Award, given out for the best goal scored in the calendar year.
