Breaking: Ronaldo, Mane Van Dijk, others shorlisted for Ballon d’Or award

Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk have all been shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or, as France Football announces its 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award.

Mane and Van Dijk were joined by their Premier League counterparts Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Van Dijk’s Liverpool team-mates Roberto Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also included for their involvement in Liverpool’s sixth Champions League triumph.

It is the first time Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold has been named on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.

Meanwhile, Hugo Lloris was among the shortlisted stars despite an indifferent season between the sticks for Tottenham Hotspur.

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe was also on the list alongside Donny van de Beek and Marc-Andre Ter-Stegen.

Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema is on the list as well as Liverpool duo Alisson and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Juventus and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt has been shortlisted after a fine breakout season with Ajax, as has former Southampton striker Dusan Tadic.

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has been shortlisted for his contributions to his side’s title win last season.

Tottenham forward Heung-min Son is included after helping guide Mauricio Pochettino’s side to the Champions League final.

Experienced striker Robert Lewandowski makes the shortlist despite a relatively quiet season for the German champions Bayern Munich.

The rest of the list will continue to be released today with Virgil Van Dijk and Lionel Messi expected to be announced as nominees shortly.

More to come

Source:Daily Mail sport