Messi vs Ronaldo: Ballon d’Or winner to be announced tomorrow

The winner of the 2017 Ballon d’Or will be announced tomorrow (Thursday), but which superstar players are on the shortlist?

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi have won the award for past nine years.

After winning the FIFA's 'The Best' award last month, Ronaldo is favourite to take the crown for a second year running and fifth time during his illustrious career to level up with Messi, who also won the award five times.

Ronaldo donates Ballon d’Or trophy for charity

French sensation Kylian Mbappe, world’s most expensive player Neymar and Antoine Griezmann form the chasing pack, while representatives from the Premier League include Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane along with Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

The award winner will be named by France Football on December 6, though there won't be a traditional gala to celebrate the winner's achievement.

The France Football magazine award is decided upon by a journalists ballot (with 173 voting in 2016) with each naming a top five from a list of 30.

British bookmakers have stopped taking bets on Ronaldo, who is a cramped 10-1 on favourite to win, with Messi, trophyless last season, at 6-1.

The winner of the 62nd Ballon d'Or award will be broadcast on a dedicated television programme presented by David Ginola.