Lionel Messi has failed to make the world player of the year shortlist for the first time since 2006, with Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah making their first appearance in the final three alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo have been the only winners of the main individual award from FIFA since 2008.

The award, created in 2016 following FIFA's split with the Ballon d'Or, honours the world's standout player from July 3, 2017 to July 15, 2018.

Modric won the Champions League with Real Madrid, while also helping Croatia reach the World Cup final where his performances earned him the Golden Ball.

Ronaldo, who has won this honour in both years of its existence, is once again among the final three, but faces arguably his toughest challenge yet, following so many impressive performances in Russia.

However, the Juventus forward will still be confident of making it three in a row, as he once again finished top scorer in the Champions League. His 15 goals -- five more than anyone else -- helped Madrid win the trophy for a third successive season.

And, while he would have expected to make a bigger impact in Russia, he still hit a hat trick against Spain, which included one of the goals of the tournament with a stunning late free kick.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on Sept. 24.


Check the list here:http://jumiaforum.com/listing/fifa-2018-best-player-of-the-year/