Ballon shortlist

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will resume their perennial battle to be crowned the world’s best footballer after they headed the shortlist of 30 players for the 2016 Ballon d’Or announced yesterday. Barcelona’s Argentine great Messi, who took the honour for a record fifth time last year, or Real Madrid’s Portuguese threetime winner Ronaldo have taken the coveted accolade every year since 2007, when AC Milan’s Kaka won. Despite a dip in form this season, Ronaldo, who inspired Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and Real Madrid to the Champions, is favoured to regain the title.