Who should win the men's Ballon d'Or? BBC Sport pundits have their say
The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced in London on Monday - but who is going to claim the showpiece award?
The men's Ballon d'Or award, one of the most prestigious honors in football, is set to be announced in London on Monday. As the anticipation builds, pundits and fans alike are weighing in on who they think deserves the top prize. The BBC Sport pundits have shared their opinions, sparking a lively debate about the merits of various top players.
The Ballon d'Or is awarded annually by France Football to the best soccer player in the world, as voted on by a panel of international sports journalists. The award has a rich history, dating back to 1956, and has been won by some of the greatest players of all time, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This year's ceremony is expected to be closely watched, with several top players in contention for the award.
As the winner is announced on Monday, all eyes will be on whether the voters will choose a player who has excelled in team competitions, such as the Champions League, or one who has had an outstanding individual season. To watch next: the announcement of the men's Ballon d'Or winner on Monday, and the reaction from the football world to the choice.
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. NewsDebate adds analysis for general news readers.