Chelsea and Liverpool Superstars nominated for 2017 Ballon d’Or as French football release list in batches

Chelsea midfielder maestro N’Golo Kante and Liverpool attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho have had their splendid season rewarded with a nomination for the 2017 Ballon d’Or award as reported by metro.

France Football are making public a 30-man list of nominees throughout Monday and Frenchman Kante, as well as Liverpool star Coutinho were among the first ten name of players to be revealed.

The 26-year-old Chelsea midfielder was at the heart of Conte’s team which stormed to the 2016/17 English Premier League title and the France international midfielder won the PFA Player of the Year for his brilliant efforts last campaign.

Paris Saint Germain’s world-record signing Neymar was also included in the first batch of players named, along with Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Real Madrid superstars midfielder Luka Modric and defender Marcelo. Barcelona summer target Coutinho was named in the second batch of players announced with Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, Atletico’s Jan Oblak and Dries Mertens.

Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo is in pole position to win this tears award, with Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon second and third favourite players respectively.

Ronaldo lifted his fourth Ballon d’Or last year and another victory would bring him level with Argentine Lionel Messi.