Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to retain the Ballon d'Or trophy as his Real Madrid side dominated the 30-man shortlist announced by France Football on Monday. The 32-year-old, who helped Real win the Champions League and La Liga last season, is one of seven Real players on the list - the most from any team. Should the Portugal forward triumph, he will equal the record of his great rival and five-times winner Lionel Messi of Barcelona, who is also nominated.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) controls the ball during a training session at Cidade do Futebol, Portuguese FA's training gounds, in Oeiras on October 9, 2017, on the eve of the WC2018 qualifier football match Portugal vs Switzerland. Pic/AFP