Messi, Modric, Ronaldo highlight 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist

The race for football's most prestigious individual honor is on.

France Football began to unveil its 30-man shortlist for the annual distinction on Monday, revealing the nominees in groups of five ahead of the Dec. 3 ceremony in Paris. Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Juventus newcomer Cristiano Ronaldo have won the last 10 awards, with the latter capturing four of the past five.

Both footballing legends have again made the nominees list, along with World Cup Golden Ball winner Luka Modric.

Didier Deschamps' France side has seven players among the shortlist, including teen talent Kylian Mbappe, Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, and tireless midfielder N'Golo Kante. Raphael Varane, Hugo Lloris, and Paul Pogba also made the cut, as did former French international Karim Benzema.

Benzema's Real Madrid have seven nominees, the most of any club. Joining the fiery forward are Gareth Bale, Thibaut Courtois, Isco, Sergio Ramos, Varane, and Modric.

Below are the nominees in the order of their unveiling:

France Football also unveiled a 15-woman shortlist for the inaugural Women's Ballon d'Or, with French side Lyon boasting six of the nominees:

The French outlet also unveiled a young player award named after Les Bleus legend Raymond Kopa, and among the 10 nominees younger than 21, World Cup hero Mbappe stands out as a clear favorite.