Modric: First Ballon d'or winner not to be nominated the following year

The surprise happened in Paris in 2018, when Luka Modric beat Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the award. However, 1 year later, the story will be very different. 

Real Madrid's poor year, where they never won the League, Cup or Champions League meant the Croat never made the 30 man shortlist announced by 'France Football'.

Since the trophy was given out for the first time in 1956, the Ballon d'or winner had always been nominated for the next edition of the trophy. This was always the case until Monday.

A negative first unfortunately for the Real Madrid player Luka Modric. But he isn't the only high profile absentee. Harry Kane and Neymar aren't on the 30 man shortlist.

The significant change of Real Madrid players nominated is of note. Out of the 8 nominated in 2018, Karim Benzema is the only player nominated in 2019. Eden Hazard is added to that, although he played half of 2019 with Chelsea.