CLUB trophies are not handed out in December, but one of the biggest player accolades on offer is determined.
The Ballon d’Or, considered by many as the ultimate prize for an individual, is awarded to the best player Europe.
This year’s ceremony is taking place in Paris, and ahead of the bash here is everything you need to know ahead of the event.
When is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or will be held in the French capital TONIGHT – Thursday, December 7.
It kicks-off at 6.45pm GMT, 7.45pm local time.
The arrivals usually start to rock up a few hours before, so keep your eyes peeled for snaps of football’s royalty and their stunning partners on SunSport’s dedicated live blog.
What TV channel is it on or is their a live stream?
Unfortunately, no UK broadcasters have announced plans to screen the event yet.
Presently, it will only be available in France.
News outlet L’Equipe’s dedicated TV channel will be screening all the coverage.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi the favourite for the Ballon d’Or?
There are seven men from the Premier League in the running for this year’s award.
However, the winner is set to be out of old foes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The duo have dominated the award since 2008, with Barca star Messi winning five compared to the Portuguese forward’s four – the Real Madrid man winning it 12 months ago.
And after helping Los Blancos to the La Liga title and retaining the Champions League, Ronaldo is the favourite once again to claim the crown.
Here’s the shortlist in full for who is in the running this time:
The Ballon d'Or shortlist
Neymar – Paris Saint-Germain
N’Golo Kante – Chelsea
Luka Modric – Real Madrid
Paulo Dybala – Juventus
Marcelo – Real Madrid
Edin Dzeko – Roma
Harry Kane – Tottenham
David De Gea – Manchester United
Robert Lewandowski – Bayern Munich
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
Pierre-Emerick Aubemyang – Borussia Dortmund
Edinson Cavani – Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Mats Hummels – Bayern Munich
Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool
Luis Suarez – Barcelona
Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid
Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid
Dries Mertens – Napoli
Radamel Falcao – Monaco
Sadio Mane – Liverpool
Gianluigi Buffon – Juventus
Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Leonardo Bonucci – AC Milan
Isco – Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe – Paris Saint-Germain
Who will host and present the Ballon d’Or award?
The ceremony usually has one of the former greats of the game hosting it.
And this year will be no different.
Former French international and Tottenham and Newcastle winger David Ginola is the man chosen to present it this time.
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How is the Ballon d’Or decided?
The award is on behalf of France Football magazine.
The illustrious prize is selected by a group of 173 journalists from across the globe.
Unfortunately, fans will not be able to have their say.
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