Lionel Messi of PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United are among L'Equipe's top 5 candidates for the Ballon d'Or in 2021.
Due to the consequences of the coronavirus, France Football suspended the 2020 edition of the Ballon d'Or, with Robert Lewandowski projected to win at the point.
The week before, the Ballon d'Or officials revealed the 30-man nomination for the 2021 prize, which comprised Messi, Cristiano, and Neymar.
Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, and Jorginho joined Messi and Ronaldo on L'Equipe's list of the top 5 candidates for France Football's award.
Nevertheless, according to a French source, Neymar would fall far short of earning his 1st Ballon d'Or.
Credit: PAThe likes of Ruben Dias, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Harry Kane might force the 29-year-old Brazilian winger "that far in the rankings.
Whilst Neymar may not have had the finest night in terms of voting numbers, L'Equipe has down its 5 candidates to the 3 more likely to succeed the Ballon d'Or.
According to L'Equipe, Lionel, Benzema, and Lewandowski are perhaps the most likely 3 to compete for France Football's prestigious title.
The French journal featured all five of its candidates on the front page of Tuesday's publication of L'Equipe.
Credit: L’EquipeMessi is largely seen as a possible leader for an incredible seventh Ballon d'Or title following his performances for Argentina and Barca past season.
The 34-year-old Argentinian star, who leaved Barcelona in the summer, boosted his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or in 2021 after helping Argentina to the Copa America victory.
Benzema has been in great goal-scoring rhythm for Real Madrid and France, and he has come to be known as a viable Ballon d'Or contender.
The 33-year-old France forward won the Nations League with France previous season and recorded 30 goals in 46 games for Real Madrid.
Credit: PADespite losing out on the Ballon d'Or in 2020, Lewandowski was a revelation for Bayern Munich last summer.
The 33-year-old Pole smashed Gerd Muller's Bundesliga goal scoring milestone and won his 1st European Golden Shoe.
Jorginho, who was not selected in L'Equipe's final three, is regarded as a strong possibility for the Ballon d'Or following a trophy-laden campaign with Chelsea and Italy.
The champion of the 2021 Ballon d'Or will be announced on November 29th at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris.
Featured Image Credit: PA