Once that list has been compiled, a selection of international journalists, national team coaches and captains will then vote to decide the winner.

They will each be asked to choose their top five players from the 30.

The players will be ordered from first to fifth based on: individual and collective performances during the year, player class and an overall view of the player’s career.

The player who is selected as the winner by each of the selection panel is awarded six points, second-place is given four points, down to one point for fifth place.

The total points for each player from every journalist, coach and captain are then added together to decide third, second and first place.

France Football will reveal the winner during an event in Paris on November 29.

Ballon d’Or 2021: Messi, Lewandowski, Kante – Top 7 contenders for award