While the prize for the best footballer of 2020 will not be handed out due to Covid-19, who would've been the favourite if it hadn't been cancelled?
The awarding of the Ballon d'Or has become one of the biggest nights in the footballing calendar, with winning the prize seen by players as the pinnacle of excellence in the sport.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award in the 21st century, winning it 11 times between them in the last 12 years.
Messi is the current holder after claiming his sixth Ballon d'Or back in December, and the Argentine will now continue his defence through to 2021 after announced the prize would not be awarded in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If that decision had not been made, who would have been in contention? Goal takes a look at those who were in with a shout…
Getty20Timo Werner (RB Leipzig/Chelsea)
In 2020: 11 goals, three assists.
While Werner's second half of the season did not quite hit the heights of the first half, he has still enjoyed a stellar 2020 and certainly would have been in the mind of some judges come December in normal circumstances.
His numbers compare favourably to those above him, but his decision to reject the chance to play in the latter stages of the Champions League for Leipzig would have cost him vital exposure in the biggest competition still on the calendar for the year.
AdvertisementGetty Images19Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Though Henderson's raw numbers pale in comparison to the other contenders on the list, his leadership of Liverpool as they won their first title in 30 years cannot be underestimated.
At one time the favourite for the PFA Player of the Year in England, the midfielder from Sunderland continues to answer his critics at Anfield.
Getty Images18Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
After a slow start to 2020, Sterling has rediscovered his best form since football returned post-lockdown.
A defeat to Arsenal in the semi-finals of the FA Cup saw City's hopes of a treble extinguished, but being in a favourable position to advance in the Champions League means the likes of Sterling still had opporutunties to impress voters on the biggest stage.
Getty Images17Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
One of the breakout stars of the European season, Davies has gone from being an exciting option as back-up winger for Bayern to their first-choice left-back.
The Canada international's electric pace, tough tackling and excellent crossing ability make him the full package in the modern game, and he is one of a number of Bayern players who many are predicting will end the year with treble success.