Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne are amongst the first group of players to be announced on the 2016 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The Argentinean was the first nominee to be revealed as France Football unveiled five of the 30-man group this morning, with the Blues midfielder included in the second announcement.
The prestigious award, which this year will solely be judged by journalists after the magazine and FIFA parted ways, recognises 2016’s best performing player.
Aguero has netted 32 goals in all competitions for the Blues so far this year, winning the League Cup in February and helping Argentina to the final of the Copa America in June.
Joining him in the first quintet of players to be announced were Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gareth Bale, Gianluigi Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The French publication will reveal the remainder of the shortlist throughout the day.
