FIFA The Best Award: Varane makes case for defence

The shortlist for the FIFA’s Best Men’s Player of the Year has been announced and there are some big names who have made it onto the ten-man shortlist.

England captain Harry Kane has made it onto the shortlist having won the Golden Boot at the World Cup with six goals and having lead his side to the semi-finals, the best performance from an England team at a World Cup since 1990.

Cristiano Ronaldo is favourite for the award and features on the shortlist having scored the most goals in the Champions League as Real Madrid won the trophy. Although his performance in the league left a lot to be desired an impressive World Cup and Champions League should be enough for him to scoop this gong.

Club teammate Raphael Varane is also widely fancied as the player who has had the best personal season this year. He was integral in Madrid’s Champions League win and also was incredible for France as they won their second World Cup this summer.

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Fellow French World Cup winners Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe are also on the shortlist, along with the great Lionel Messi, who completed a League and Cup double with Barcelona and won the Golden Boot in Spain.

World Cup finalist Luka Modric is also rewarded for his fine season with a nomination whilst Liverpool’s Mo Salah has made it after his impressive first season in England, although he did end the season trophyless.

Someone who scooped the Premier League trophy and is on the list is Kevin De Bruyne, who missed out on the PFA player of the year award to Mo Salah. De Bruyne’s compatriot Eden Hazard is also on the list.