Ronaldo, Modric and Salah finalists for FIFA's 'The Best' Men's Player award

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, missed out on a place in the top three.

Despite scoring the most goals, creating the most assists and winning the most Man of the Match awards in LaLiga last season, the 31-year-old did not make the top three. 

There was also no place for any member of France's World Cup winning squad, notably Antoine Griezmann who many tipped to be one of the three. 

Portugal winger Ronaldo, the 2016 and 2017 winner, won a fifth Champions League title with Real Madrid in May before joining Juventus for £99m.

 

September 3, 2018

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah scored 44 goals as Liverpool reached the Champions League final, losing to Real.

A panel of FIFA legends and experts drew up 10-man shortlists for each award and a jury consisting of national team captains, coaches, selected journalists and fans choose the winner.

The winners will be announced on 24 September.