Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or.

Kante, Paulo Dybala and Neymar have all been named on the Ballon d'Or shortlist for 2017... as the first FIVE names are revealed.

Real Madrid's star duo Luka Modric and Marcelo have also been listed on Monday morning in the race for the best player of 2017.

The full Ballon d'Or shortlist will comprise of 30 names.

Neymar, who swapped Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a world record-shattering £198 million transfer this summer, is just one name on the list.

The Brazilian finished fifth in the voting in 2016 and will be hoping to challenge reigning champion Cristiano Ronaldo this year.

Meanwhile, Chelsea ace Kante becomes the first Premier League player to be announced as in the running.