To reach the top in any profession requires unerring dedication and a self-imposed desire to be the best. To become ‘The Best’ individual in a team sport is an altogether different challenge.

Luka Modric was named The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2018 in London, succeeding Cristiano Ronaldo who claimed the first two editions of the award in 2016 and 2017. The much-vaunted pair join Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Kaka, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in being voted the world’s best footballer in recent history.

Who will follow in the footsteps of these legends of the game? A ten-man shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2019 award will be compiled by a panel of FIFA Legends and revealed in late July.

From this final shortlist, key members of the footballing community - namely journalists, fans, national team coaches and captains - will vote for the winner, with the final three nominees to be announced at a later date. All award winners will be revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards show in Milan on Monday 23 September.