The men's Ballon d'Or winner will be announced today ‑ and an inaugural female victor will also be named.
There are 30 candidates on the shortlist for the male award, including 11 Premier League players, Lionel Messi and current holder Cristiano Ronaldo.
England's Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby are among the 15‑women shortlist.
France Football has awarded the prestigious prize to the best male player every year since 1956, adding a women's award this year.
Barcelona captain Messi and Juventus forward Ronaldo ‑ formerly of Manchester United and Real Madrid ‑ have won the past 10 Ballons d'Or between them. Kaka, in 2007, was the winner that preceded them.
Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric is the odds‑on favourite with bookmakers to add the Ballon d'Or to the Fifa Best Men's Player award he picked up in September.
[Source: BBC Sports]
