UEFA has announced the candidates for the Ballon d'Or, Benzema almost certain winner of the trophy
The European Football Federation (UEFA) has shortened the list of candidates for the best player of the year to three names.
The list is headed by the first favorite and sure winner of the award for the best player of the season, the striker of the European champion Real Madrid, Karim Benzema. Besides him, there is also his club colleague, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, as well as Manchester City player Kevin de Bruyne.
Benzema is most responsible for Real Madrid's triumph in the Champions League, scoring 15 goals.
In the competition for the best coach are the coaches of Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti, the finalist in the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) and the coach of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola.
The winners of the awards will be announced on August 25 in Istanbul for the draw to determine the groups in the Champions League for the new season.
Last year, the award for the best player went to the footballer of Chelsea and the Italian national team, Jorginho.