Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland among Ballon d'Or favourites

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are among the favourites for the men's Ballon d'Or, as nominees are announced by France Football magazine.

The pair have both enjoyed successful seasons with Haaland winning the treble with Manchester City, while Messi lifted the World Cup for Argentina.

Seven-time winner Messi, who plays for MLS side Inter Miami, led Argentina to glory in Qatar in December, their first World Cup triumph since 1986.

Manchester City striker Haaland, who won the UEFA award for the best men's player last season, is a strong favourite for the award. Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe is also on the shortlist along with midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Jude Bellingham. 

HERE ARE ALL THE BALLON D'OR NOMINEES! 🌕✨#ballondor pic.twitter.com/hg1ZByzhDV

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 6, 2023

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, did not receive a nomination for the first time in 20 years.

Barcelona's Alexia Putellas, who has won the women's award for the past two years, was not nominated.

Chelsea duo Sam Kerr and Millie Bright were among the 30 female nominees, along with Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati, who helped Spain win the World Cup last month.

The awards for the best men's and women's player in the world will be presented on October 30.