Ballon d'Or live: Modric beats Ronaldo and Messi to win best player award

"It's a unique feeling. I'm happy, proud and honoured," Modric said in his acceptance speech. "The emotions I feel right now are hard to describe, but I would like to thank everyone who has allowed me to be here tonight." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/modric-beats-ronaldo-griezmann-mbappe-messi-to-2018-ballon/egvgnnslacf11vu3zxtc7c6r8" target="_blank">READ THE FULL STORY HERE!</a>

🏆Modric wins Ballon d'Or!

It's been an incredible year for the Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder, who won the Champions League and finished as finalists in the Russia World Cup.

🇫🇷Griezmann 🇫🇷Mbappe 🇭🇷Modric 🇵🇹Ronaldo *Plays Europe song on blast* 🎶

🏆TOP FOUR: Griezmann, Mbappe, Modric & Ronaldo!

It's the final home stretch as we do the final countdown!

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/messi-finishes-fifth-in-ballon-dor-chart/1o3pz624at7q61t2hooe8jf0dc" target="_blank">READ THE FULL STORY ON GOAL HERE!</a> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> OFFICIAL | Lionel Messi has failed to make the top three of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallondOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallondOr</a> for the first time since 2007, finishing fifth in this year's final vote. Full details : <a href="https://t.co/Am9aQofnF0">https://t.co/Am9aQofnF0</a> <a href="https://t.co/omqkDsTXjI">pic.twitter.com/omqkDsTXjI</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069693952968851463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote>

🏆#7, #6, #5: Raphael Varane, Mohamed Salah & Lionel Messi!

We're getting close to the final countdown, and it's the first time since 2006 that Messi has finished outside of the top three.

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/mbappe-beats-alexander-arnold-kluivert-donnarumma-to-trophee/1kaxuu3j8k8bc1n85ue7ny2b6x" target="_blank">READ THE FULL STORY ON GOAL!</a> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Congratulations to Kylian Mbappe, the first player to win the Trophee Kopa! 👏 👤 56 games ⚽ 32 goals 🎯 13 assists 🏆 World Cup 🏆 Ligue 1 🏆 French Cup 🏆 French League Cup 🏆 Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year 🏆 The Best Young Player <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallondOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallondOr</a> <a href="https://t.co/6aoWHSCinR">pic.twitter.com/6aoWHSCinR</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069686426625810432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

🏆 Mbappe wins Kopa trophy!

The France and PSG superstar has been named the winner of the inaugural Kopa award awarded to the standout young player of the year, beating out the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Christian Pulisic.

Proceedings aren't due to take place for another couple of hours, however, with the winner expected to be announced sometime after 7pm GMT. It's pretty nailed-on that Modric will win... so will we see Ronaldo during the ceremony? Probably not, if he's been snubbed... 👀 The ceremony will not be televised, but you can livestream it through the France Football website <a href="https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Video-suivez-la-ceremonie-du-ballon-d-or-france-football-2018-en-direct/964793" target="_blank">here</a>.

🌟How can I watch the Ballon d'Or ceremony?

The ceremony for this year's Ballon d'Or will take place in Paris, and will be hosted by former France international David Ginola.

Sergio Aguero (Man City), Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Edinson Cavani (PSG), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Isco (Real Madrid), Harry Kane (Tottenham), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Neymar (PSG), Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

🏅Ballon d'Or full shortlist

Sure, Luka Modric may be the odds-on favourite to be named winner tonight, but here's the shortlist in full...

We'll bring you the latest updates, news and everything you need to know around the event taking place this evening. This edition of the Ballon d'Or is special as it is set to be the first time in 10 years that neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi are favourites to win the award. Thank Fowler! A new dawn, and a new era is set to start in football. Stay tuned!

🏁Welcome to Goal's Ballon d'Or live blog coverage!

Good afternoon, and welcome to Goal's live blog of the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

We're signing off on the Ballon d'Or liveblog. Thanks for following us along on the journey, and see you in a year, where all the fun will recommence... Congrats, Luka! 👏

That's all, folks!

"No, it's with&nbsp;great pride to be on the podium, and to be a world champion," said the Atletico forward. "I'm counting on my teammates in the club and the national team to be in Luka's place in the future. [But] I won a&nbsp;Europa League, a World Cup, what else do I have to do I do [to be crowned Ballon d'Or winner]? I do not know." Said Mbappe: "A disappointement? Well, from where I come from, it's no problem. In the&nbsp;short time since I arrived, I finished in 7th and 4th place.&nbsp;The three players who finished in front of me deserved it more than I did.&nbsp; "I have to work to be in this place in the future."

Some disappointment from Griezmann and Mbappe after not being named winners?

There has not been one African player on the Ballon d'Or podium since Weah won in 1995 –&nbsp;but what chances do Africa's best talents stand in the future?&nbsp;Goal&nbsp;takes a look. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/will-we-ever-again-see-an-african-ballon-dor-winner-like/1f7uo4hs505ou10gvxq5uqfe0s" target="_blank">You can read the full story on Goal HERE.</a>

Will we ever again see an African Ballon d'Or winner like George Weah?

Goal takes a look at whether or not Modric's Ballon d'Or win has put a permanent stop to the two-horse race that was Messi and Ronaldo – or if this is just a one-off,&nbsp;outlier year. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/has-modric-ended-ronaldo-and-messis-ballon-dor-duopoly-or-merely-/76jifw8wmv90155ylte0edoqp" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal HERE.</a>

Has Modric ended Ronaldo & Messi's Ballon d'Or duopoly - or merely interrupted it?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Your 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallondOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallondOr</a> winner, ladies and gentlemen 😍🏆 <a href="https://t.co/k6RR3na1J6">pic.twitter.com/k6RR3na1J6</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069705011196780545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Any objections? 🤩

#4: Kylian Mbappe #3: Antoine Griezmann #2: Cristiano Ronaldo #1: Luka Modric <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/luka-modric-and-the-2018-ballon-dor-final-rankings/g4abmah6vk6u1qvmfansvvf5y" target="_blank">You can read the full list of Ballon d'Or rankings here.</a>

Ballon d'Or top four rankings revealed!

And the duopoly has been broken, the curse lifted! "I would like to give thanks to my teammates and coaches at Real Madrid and Croatia," said Modric in his speech.&nbsp; "To all those who voted for me, and my family. My wife and kids are fulfilling me as a person and preparing me in all aspects to succeed as a professional." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/modric-beats-ronaldo-griezmann-mbappe-messi-to-2018-ballon/egvgnnslacf11vu3zxtc7c6r8" target="_blank">READ THE FULL STORY HERE!</a> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Congratulations to Luka Modric, Ballon d'Or winner! 🎉🎉🎉 🏆 Champions League 🏆 World Cup runner-up 🏆 World Cup Golden Ball 🏆 Best Croatian Player 🏆 Champions League Team of the Season 🏆 FIFPro World XI 🏆 UEFA Midfielder of the Year 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goal50?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goal50</a> Winner 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallondOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallondOr</a> 👏 <a href="https://t.co/zsYhMd6YAq">pic.twitter.com/zsYhMd6YAq</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069702485554671616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> "As a kid, my dream was to play for a big club and win trophies. Ballon d'Or was more than a childhood dream for me – and I'm truly honoured and privileged to win this trophy tonight."

Modric becomes the first non-Messi or Ronaldo player in 10 years to win Ballon d'Or 👏

Ballon d'Or winner announcement imminent... ⏰

HERE WE GO!!! 🏎

Is there even any competition? 🇫🇷 (No.)

Allez Les Bleus > Football's Coming Home

Norway and Lyon star Ada&nbsp;Hegerberg is the first female footballer to be awarded the first ever women's Ballon d'Or award – what an incredible feat! 👏 "This is the most important thing for women's football, and together we will make a difference," Hegerberg said in her speech. "I would like to send a message to young girls all over the world – please believe in yourself." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lyon-star-hegerberg-wins-womens-ballon-dor/nk7yvr4gaqua1x20ohe26jk66" target="_blank">READ THE FULL STORY ON GOAL HERE!</a>

🏆Ada Hegerberg wins Women's Ballon d'Or!

After accepting the inaugural Kopa trophy award, the PSG and France forward outlined his gratitude: "Good evening everyone. It is a great honour to be among you. I see lots of big names in football," the 19-year-old said.&nbsp; <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> What a picture, what a pair 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallondOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallondOr</a> <a href="https://t.co/x9fYWYZuJI">pic.twitter.com/x9fYWYZuJI</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069691582788579335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> "I am very happy to receive this award. This rewards a great year, which I realized thanks to all my teammates in club and national team. I will never forget the adventure of the World Cup. "It's a good time to thank them, and it's an extra motivation to keep working. "My next goal? It is to lift everything (not only Ballon D'Or). It will be with hard work and help from my teammates."

Mbappe: "It is a great honour"

It's an all-Premier League trio for the first three of the top 10 countdowns.

🏆#10, #9, #8: Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne & Eden Hazard!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Kylian Mbappé won an enormous 55% of the overall votes for the 2018 Trophée Kopa <a href="https://t.co/6L4GVZKuoL">https://t.co/6L4GVZKuoL</a> — Get French Football News (@GFFN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GFFN/status/1069687890521788418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mbappe scoops Kopa trophy with 55% of votes 👏

We're not quite sure what was happening. There was a bit of DJing and random bits of music playing and Griezmann and Modric looking confused. But they are doing a dramatic montage of the top 10 nominees, so stay tuned!

Counting down the top 10...

In supreme spectacular fashion, with some snazzy dancing set to Michael Jackson tunes. (No Noel Gallagher in sight. Phew.) Follow the stream <a href="https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Video-suivez-la-ceremonie-du-ballon-d-or-france-football-2018-en-direct/964793" target="_blank">here</a>!

AND THE CEREMONY HAS (FINALLY) KICKED OFF!!!

Buffon gave Goal his thoughts about women footballers finally being recognised with the top honour:&nbsp;"It's fair to award the Ballon d'Or to women. Because it's still football. For me, it's normal. It's not a strange thing. "I don't know who will win. But the top three favorites deserve it all because they had a great season with their clubs and national teams. It's possible to see Modric win."

Buffon has his say! 🇮🇹

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Is our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goal50?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goal50</a> winner, Luka Modric, about to scoop the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallondOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallondOr</a>? 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/petermstaunton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@petermstaunton</a> visited Croatia last month to explore the remarkable, war-torn scenes which made one of this generation's greatest footballers. 🇭🇷<a href="https://t.co/uGmr2tOKGW">https://t.co/uGmr2tOKGW</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069679282463625217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Watch Goal's Modric documentary – chronicling how he fled his childhood home as a refugee to becoming a world-beating footballer.

<a href="https://twitter.com/SabrinaBelalmi" target="_blank">Goal's PSG correspondent Sabrina Belalmi</a> is at the ceremony tonight, and spoke exclusively to former Ajax winger Justin Kluivert. "I feel very thankful, for sure. It's a great honour to be here. I've been nominated with a lot of good players. It's a pleasure!" Kluivert said. When asked who he thought would be named the winner, the 19-year-old quipped: "You have a lot of great players, but everybody who is nominated had a great season – but I think they'll give it to Croatia after his great summer in the World Cup.&nbsp; "Maybe [Raphael] Varane. Maybe [Kylian] Mbappe, but he's nominated for the Young Player award! I'm curious as to see who will win." He continued: "I'm excited to be playing a lot more games with Roma. I thought maybe it was a good decision [to leave Ajax] but I'm very happy to be here – the trianing, the games. I feel like I'm learning more, every day. "I'm very happy to have the name 'Kluivert'."

Young Roma ace Kluivert gives his Ballon d'Or picks

Here's the Croatia captain making his way to the Ballon d'Or red carpet... accompanied by his tiny Modric clan! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 We all dream of a team of Modric-ers. Real Modric. Hala Modric. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> 👔👋&nbsp;Look who's here! <a href="https://twitter.com/lukamodric10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lukamodric10</a> has arrived at the Grand Palais in Paris ahead of tonight's Ballon d'Or ceremony! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/fBC4GBydhW">pic.twitter.com/fBC4GBydhW</a> — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1069676696826249218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Modric enters the scene! 🌟

Sorry not sorry to keep hammering on about it, but this was the state of Messi's hair when Kaka won the award in 2007! Other notable things that have happened in the world since a non-Messi/Ronaldo player was named Ballon d'Or winner: Spice Girls <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/spice-girls-which-football-teams-do-the-pop-stars-support/1g6b8n5s92aab1rpa7i4xt2g7h" target="_blank">announced a reunion tour</a>, Real Madrid won three Champions League trophies in a row, Fernando Torres hippity-hopped from Liverpool to Chelsea to Milan to Atletico to Sagan Tosu, and Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow made amends. Kylian Mbappe probably wasn't even born yet.

11 years on from the Messi/Ronaldo Ballon d'Or duopoly...

After an instrumental role in Real Madrid's Champions League success last season as well as having captained his Croatia team to the finals of the World Cup in Russia, Modric is set to be named the first Ballon d'Or winner in 10 years who isn't Messi or Ronaldo. Much like Moses and the parting of the Red Sea, the Croatia midfielder is set to split the deadlock of the Messi &amp; Ronaldo duopoly following a remarkable year. 🇭🇷Modric <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/modric-defeats-ronaldo-and-salah-to-be-crowned-fifas-the-best-of-/1i8qfvrx0sdjzlrx5fb371e3" target="_blank">won the ‘Best FIFA Men's Player’ award</a> in September – ahead of Messi and Ronaldo. 🇭🇷The midfielder also also won the World Cup Golden Ball award – the first player from Croatia to win. 🇭🇷Modric completed the most passes (422) &amp; created the most goalscoring chances (18) for Croatia in Russia this summer. 🇭🇷He was the midfielder with the most passes attempted (484), most touches (624) and most recoveries (56) at 2018 World Cup.

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Luka Modric

And finally, we outline why Modric is the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or tonight.

Mbappe, Mbappe...&nbsp;Ba du bop, ba duba dop... Ba du, yeah-e-yeah! (Sorry.)

The prodigal youngster has arrived! 🙏

His heroics during yesterday's Merseyside Derby alone should be enough to land him the top spot... right? 🙌 <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> C’è anche <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alisson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alisson</a> al <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gal%C3%A1DelCalcio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaláDelCalcio</a> <a href="https://t.co/YTSPxPyuPa">pic.twitter.com/YTSPxPyuPa</a> — Renato Maisani (@RenatoMaisani) <a href="https://twitter.com/RenatoMaisani/status/1069669402382163970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Liverpool and Brazil shot-stopper Alisson hits the red carpet!

The 33-year-old is the most recent&nbsp;Ballon d'Or winner, but don't expect him to be in attendance tonight... 🇵🇹Ronaldo has already scored 45 goals in 47 games so far in 2018 for club and country. 🇵🇹This summer, he became the&nbsp;fourth player to score in four different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018) after Pele, Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose. 🇵🇹With his hat-trick vs Spain in Russia, Ronaldo became the oldest hat-trick scorer in World Cup history at 33 years and 130 days. 🇵🇹In April, Ronaldo broke the record for scoring in the most consecutive Champions League appearances - finding the net in 11 matches in a row, starting with the 2017 final against Juventus. 🇵🇹He won his 5th Champions League with Real Madrid&nbsp;in May – making him the player with the most CL wins.

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portugal international has had an amazing year, but even his achievements haven't been enough to place him in front of former teammate Modric for the award this evening.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> The final three to miss out on the top 10... 13. 🇺🇾 Luis Suarez 12. 🇧🇷 Neymar 11. 🇫🇷 N'Golo Kante <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/RIOm3WFEhz">pic.twitter.com/RIOm3WFEhz</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069658777102770176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So that's #30 to #11 sorted... 👀

Here are Laurent Blanc and Alain Boghossian looking dapper...&nbsp; <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Les deux champions du monde 98 Laurent Blanc et Alain Boghossian au micro de la chaine L’Équipe. La cérémonie du <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> à suivre en direct dès 21h ! <a href="https://t.co/ICUOsHmmov">pic.twitter.com/ICUOsHmmov</a> — la chaine L'Équipe (@lachainelequipe) <a href="https://twitter.com/lachainelequipe/status/1069665263497420806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

World Cup '98 veterans hit the red carpet! 🇫🇷

Both Messi and Ronaldo are at five Ballon d'Ors apiece, but his excellent year at club level but mediocre level at country level has made him an outside favourite to scoop the award. Nevertheless, here's just a slice of what makes him the ultimate GOAT... 🐐At 41 goals, no player within the top 5 European Leagues has scored as many goals in all competitions as Messi in 2018 🐐The Argentine has been involved in 41 league goals so far in 2018 (28 goals, 13 assists); more than any other player in the top five leagues. o Lionel 🐐Messi became the second to score 💯 Champions League goals (after Cristiano Ronaldo) when he scored against Chelsea in March. 🐐With two assists at the World Cup, Messi is the only player to deliver&nbsp;an assist in each of the last four World Cups.

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Lionel Messi

The Barcelona star had an amazing year, but still isn't a favourite to win the top prize tonight...

Not long until the top 10 finalists! 👏 <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> 🇫🇷 It goes on with N'Golo Kanté! The French player of Chelsea is 11th in our 2018 Ballon d'Or France Football final ranking! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/9fbQ50xDCm">pic.twitter.com/9fbQ50xDCm</a> — #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1069658675525111810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France Football announce Kante at #11

😍It's a beaut of a venue! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The Grand Palais is ready for the 63rd ceremony of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> We are just waiting for you 😉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShotoniPhoneXR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShotoniPhoneXR</a> <a href="https://t.co/HckGDswZHJ">pic.twitter.com/HckGDswZHJ</a> — la chaine L'Équipe (@lachainelequipe) <a href="https://twitter.com/lachainelequipe/status/1069646546776526849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The stage is set for tonight's ceremony!

The Brazil and PSG forward is honoured with #12 in the rankings! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> 🇧🇷&nbsp;And the 12th position of the 2018 Ballon d'Or is for Neymar (<a href="https://twitter.com/neymarjr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neymarjr</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/f4VyyURcHi">pic.twitter.com/f4VyyURcHi</a> — #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1069654592802250753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France Football name Neymar as #12

🤙 Griezmann has been involved in 44 goals in all competitions in the opening 11 months of 2018 (29 goals, 15 assists – more than any other French player. 🤙The France international became the first World Cup winner to be involved in at least one goal in the each knockout phase&nbsp;since 1986. 🤙 The forward was the first to score both in two major finals in the same year since Jorge Valdano did so for Argentina&nbsp;in 1986. 🤙Despite a month of 2018 still remaining, Griezmann has already equalled his best-ever year&nbsp;in goal involvements: he’s been involved in 28 league goals so far in 2018 (17 goals, 11 assists) which equals his 2015&nbsp;best (25 goals, 3 assists).

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Antoine Griezmann

Easy, Griezy... the Atletico Madrid forward led his team to victory in the Europa League and won the World Cup with Les Bleus.

Paul Pogba has been named #15 on the list, while La Liga duo Thibaut Courtois and Luis Suarez are the latest to be ranked at #14 and #13 respectively! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> 🇧🇪 Thibaut Courtois (<a href="https://twitter.com/thibautcourtois?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thibautcourtois</a> ) is 14th in our Ballon d'Or ranking! He's the best goalkeeper this year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/BUCipvFNHC">pic.twitter.com/BUCipvFNHC</a> — #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1069651271341223936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France Football announce #15, #14 and #13 finishers

Today marks approximately 11 years since former Brazil ace Kaka was named winner of the Ballon d'Or during his time at Milan, during a season that he won the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

Only true '90s kids remember a non-Messi/ Ronaldo Ballon d'Or winner.

Having been instrumental in Belgium's third-placed finish in the World Cup, Hazard is a top 10 finalist for the Ballon d'Or award this evening. We've rounded up some tidbits as to why: 🇧🇪The Chelsea and Belgian ace had a hand in five goals at this summer's World Cup (three goals, two assists) – and no Belgium player has been involved in more goals at a single World Cup since 1966. 🇧🇪Hazard has managed to beat&nbsp;an opponent with 124 dribbles in league football so far in 2018 –&nbsp;the most in the Premier League. 🇧🇪He created 75 goalscoring chances from open play so far in 2018 – the most in the PL.

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Eden Hazard

The Belgian has been so fruitful for his side this year that he's caught the attention of Real Madrid.

Nominee rankings are all coming up Milhouse now – with FF having just announced the latest rankings in the countdown for the top spot. Roberto Frimino, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Ramos have all been ranked at #19, and Real Madrid duo Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale seal #17. Manchester City star Sergio Aguero tops it all off at #16! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The 19th position is for three different players: 🇧🇷 Roberto Firmino 🇭🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/ivanrakitic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ivanrakitic</a> 🇪🇸&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRamos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioRamos</a> The final ranking 👉 <a href="https://t.co/YHLQa5udCf">https://t.co/YHLQa5udCf</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/ItBkG2ND7v">pic.twitter.com/ItBkG2ND7v</a> — #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1069639584538157057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France Football release #19, #17 and #16 rankings

We're set to make history tonight with a non-Messi or Ronaldo player set to be named Ballon d'Or winner. If you need context, there are children aged 10 who have not known a life without a Messi/ Ronaldo Ballon d'Or winner.&nbsp; With Modric set to break the&nbsp;c̶u̶r̶s̶e̶&nbsp; &nbsp;trend, we've outlined some of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/ballon-dor-2018-10-awesome-facts-about-nominees/1hj6iebr5dl171jlswvro37myc" target="_blank">the most interesting facts about this year's crop of nominees</a>.

Will the Messi/ Ronaldo duopoly be broken this evening?

Winning the Champions League and the World Cup in one year – surely you've got to be the common denominator? 🇫🇷Varane was the only player to have played all of France’s 630 minutes during their World Cup victory! 🇫🇷Additionally, no player made more clearances than Varane this summer in Russia. 🇫🇷He become just&nbsp;the fourth player in history to win the World Cup &amp; the Champions League in the same season after Christian Karembeu in 1998 (France &amp; Real Madrid), Roberto Carlos in 2002 (Brazil &amp; Real Madrid) &amp; Sami Khedira in 2014 (Germany &amp; Real Madrid).&nbsp; 🇫🇷He won his fourth Champions League title in 2018 - and no French player has won more.

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Raphael Varane

He's not someone you'd immediately think of when it comes to star footballers, but the France international has been vital for both club & country.

More names have been released – with Sadio Mane, Edinson Cavani and Marcelo all in joint 22nd place! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Three more players in 22nd position! 🇸🇳 Sadio Mané 🇺🇾 <a href="https://twitter.com/ECavaniOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECavaniOfficial</a> 🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/MarceloM12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarceloM12</a> The final ranking 👉 <a href="https://t.co/QE3BgDi4jx">https://t.co/QE3BgDi4jx</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/SzGCCv7mWV">pic.twitter.com/SzGCCv7mWV</a> — #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1069636578761482241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France Football release more rankings at #22

Already a World Cup and Golden Boy winner before he's even hit 20, Mbappe has been integral for both club and country: ✅With 11 strikes, Mbappe scored&nbsp;goals from a French player in a single year since Henry in 2003. ✅The youngster was the&nbsp;ever to score 10 goals for France before turning 20. ✅His strike against Croatia&nbsp;made him the&nbsp;youngest player ever to score in a World Cup final. ✅&nbsp;Not to mention that he's been involved in 21 goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances so far in 2018!

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Kylian Mbappe

At 19 years old, the young France international has already achieved more than you probably ever will in five lifetimes.

We've prepared a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/ballon-dor-2018-voting-how-the-award-for-best-player-player/16zrghp6zym7x1s1j2bsry01n1" target="_blank">handy piece</a> that details what exactly goes on in the voting selection process, including who gets to submit a vote, how players and candidates get determined, what goes into ranking and more.

❓How does the Ballon d'Or voting get decided?

Voting, shortlists, ranking – there is a lot that goes into deciding who gets crowned the best player in the world. 

France Football have released more rankings in their countdown, with goalkeeping do Alisson and Jan Oblak ranked as #25 alongside Mario Mandzukic! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Three players are ranked in 25th position for the Ballon d'Or 2018: 🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Alissonbecker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Alissonbecker</a> 🇭🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioMandzukic9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarioMandzukic9</a> 🇸🇮&nbsp;Jan Oblak The final ranking 👉 <a href="https://t.co/X6f0qMHOwz">https://t.co/X6f0qMHOwz</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLPr8a3IQn">pic.twitter.com/YLPr8a3IQn</a> — #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1069627803761553408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France Football release first rankings at #25

The 25-year-old hit the ground running at Anfield in his debut season with the Reds, and has already earned himself status as a Kop Idol. Here are some of the best stats &amp; facts about the forward! 🏆He finished last season as the Golden Boot winner on 32 goals – a 38-game Premier League record. 🏆At 44 goals, Mo's tally&nbsp;in his debut season for Liverpool than any other player in their entire history. 🏆Mo netted against 17 different Premier League opponents last season – and no player has ever scored against more in a single campaign. 🏆Against Watford earlier this March, Mo netted four goals from four shots – and is only the second player since Andrey Arshavin in 2003-04&nbsp;to have achieved such a feat.

🎈Ballon d'Or favourites countdown: Mohamed Salah

We'll be whittling down the 30-man longlist to the top 10 favourites to scoop up the award this evening, starting with Liverpool and Egypt star Salah.

France Football have now begun their Ballon d'Or countdown of their 30-man shortlist and have revealed the first names – Real Madrid's Isco and Tottenham's Hugo Lloris – are both tied at #29. Diego Godin for Atletico Madrid follows not long after at #28. Three down, 27 to go... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Let's begin to reveal the Ballon d'Or ranking with numbers 29: 🇪🇸 Isco (<a href="https://twitter.com/isco_alarcon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isco_alarcon</a>) 🇫🇷 Hugo Lloris<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/6GLECreCQ0">pic.twitter.com/6GLECreCQ0</a> — #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1069622670730412032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France Football release first rankings at #29 and #28

Straightforward&nbsp;question –&nbsp;who do you think will come out top tonight? Head over to our Twitter page and cast your vote: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> It's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallondOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallondOr</a> day! 🏆 Plain and simple: who do you think should win? 👇 <a href="https://t.co/gmY3fIVDTZ">pic.twitter.com/gmY3fIVDTZ</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1069521463743520768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Who is your pick to win the Ballon d'Or?

Need a refresher on who's an early frontrunner to scoop up the Ballon d'Or this year? There seems to be a pretty unanimous vote on who it'll be... Why not take a gander at our ranked list of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/who-will-win-ballon-dor-2018-messi-ronaldo-the-favourites/1u2ahpenhm2dc1gr07f92xqn68" target="_blank">who we expect is going to come out top this year</a> (spoiler alert: it is not James Milner) as well as the latest odds.

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Ballon d'Or live: Modric beats Ronaldo and Messi to win best player award | Goal.com US

Goal brings you all the updates as Modric beat out Ronaldo and Messi to be crowned this year&apos;s Ballon d&apos;Or winner