The 63rd edition of the Ballon d’Or will be held in Paris on Monday 3rd November with Luka Modric likely to clinch the ultimate.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated Ballon d'Or individual prize for the past 10 years but this could be the year their dominance comes to an end.
Here are five things you need to know ahead of tonight’s Ballon d'Or award ceremony.
i. Luka Modric is the favourite for this year’s award. The Croatian is the bookmakers’ favourite to claim the prize currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo. His sparkling form at this years’ World Cup In Russia acting as the catalyst. France’s stars also in the running include Antoine Griezmann, Raphael Varane, and Kylian Mbappe.
ii. George Weah is currently the only player from outside Europa or South America to win the Ballon d’Or. He is from Liberia, Africa.
iii. Barcelona players have won the Ballon d’Or 11 times, making the Catalans the most successful team in the Ballon d'Or awards. Real Madrid has one less, at 10.
iv. Manchester United players have won the Ballon d’Or four times. Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the award for the Red Devils.
v. Blackpool is the only other English club to have fielded a Ballon d’Or winner in Stanley Matthews who was the inaugural winner.
Africa’s leading digital TV operator StarTimes will broadcast the 2018 Ballon d’Or Ceremony with its World Football Channel on 3rd December at 6:45 GMT.
Read also: Rumours: 2018 Ballon d'Or winner leaked
Latest sports news in Ghana