The race for the 2018 Ballon d'Or is well and truly alive after the 30-man shortlist was revealed last week.
Of course, all eyes are once again on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have both dominated the prestigious award since 2008 and are both tied on a record five Ballon d'Ors each.
While many people would put either of them in contention for the prize again, it could finally be the year where the deadlock over the award is broken.
Luka Modrić won the Champions League for the third consecutive time at Real Madrid last season. That's not to mention reaching the World Cup final with Croatia and taking home the World Cup Golden Ball.
Just like Eden Hazard before him, the 33-year-old midfielder has now revealed his top pick for the Ballon d'Or.
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Oh, and a quick spoiler: it's not Ronaldo or Messi.
"I would put Antoine Griezmann in pole position in terms of the three Frenchmen, for all he has achieved this year," he told France Football.
The other two Frenchman that Modrić was referring to was fellow teammate Raphaël Varane and Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé.
"Mbappé? He's an extraordinary talent, a wonderful promise for the future but who has already displayed a great level," he added. "He's really special."
Griezmann helped Atlético Madrid to secure the Europa League trophy last season and France to lift the World Cup in the summer. The 27-year-old has spoken candidly about the importance of winning the award.
"To win the Ballon d'Or at Atletico Madrid would allow me to go down in the club's history," he told Marca.
"Being a historic player for this club would be a dream and make me proud. That's what I want, what I'm looking for.
"I am a very ambitious man and I always want more."
The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be revealed on December 3rd in Paris.
Who should win the Ballon d'Or?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Ballon d'Or, Luka Modric