France Football has explained leaving Chelsea star Eden Hazard off their final Ballon d'Or nominees list.

Hazard was a surprise omission, despite last season's struggles.

The French magazine explained:

"If there is a someone who could be called, it would probably be him. It can feel like an abnormality that Hazard is not on this list. But there is nothing to do be done after the performance of the Belgian in the vast majority of 2016.

"After a 22nd place finish in 2013, a 21st place in 2014 and a nice 8th position last year, Hazard must start from zero."