Seven English players are on the men's and women's shortlists.

But Messi and Spain's Aitana Bonmati are expected to land the two awards after World Cup wins in the last year.

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Bonmati, 25, was recently named Uefa Women's Player of the Year - and won the Golden Ball for the best Women's World Cup player.

Messi, now at Inter Miami, has already won a record seven awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is next with five - but will not be adding a sixth this year as he is not on the shortlist for the first time since 2003.

France's Karim Benzema was the winner of last year's award.

England's Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane and seven Manchester City players - including record-breaking goalscorer Erling Haaland - are on the 30-man shortlist.

Lionesses quartet Millie Bright, Rachel Daly, Mary Earps and Georgia Stanway are among the nominees for the women's award.

This is only the fifth edition of the Ballon d'Or Feminin, with Bonmati's Spain and Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas winning the past two.

There are several other awards up for grabs too.

Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham and Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund are on the 10-player shortlist for the best young player award, the Kopa Trophy.

Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is one of four Premier League goalkeepers nominated for the Yashin Trophy, for the world's best keeper.

There will also be a Gerd Muller Trophy, for the striker to score the most goals for club and country, a Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian work, and a club of the year award.