N’Golo Kante, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez named on the Ballon d’Or shortlist

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The nominees for the 2017 Ballon d'Or have been revealed - with England striker Harry Kane in the running.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the big favourite to defend his crown - and match Lionel Messi's five trophies.

The pair are expected to lead the running in 2017, although the likes of Neymar will hope to have a say.

Neymar, the world's most-expensive footballer was the first name announced, alongside Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante among others.

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho was the second Premier League player to be announced on the shortlist, soon followed by Spurs hitman Kane.

Kevin De Bruyne and David De Gea have also been nominated.

The next Ballon d’Or 2017 nominees have been confirmed.

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Here is a list of the contenders so far..

Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)

Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Marcelo (Real Madrid)

N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Luis Suarez (Barcelona/Uruguay)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/Spain)

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid/Slovenia)

Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool/Brazil)

Dries Mertens (Napoli/Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/Belgium)

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland)

David De Gea (Manchester United/Spain)

Harry Kane (Tottenham/England)

Edin Dzeko (Roma/Bosnia)