Goal takes a look at some of the most interesting facts surrounding the recent nominee announcement

With the Ballon d'Or nominees officially unveiled, Goal has broken down this year's field while taking a look at some of the most interesting facts surrounding those involved.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi once again headline the list of players in the running for the Ballon d'Or as France Football unveiled a list of 30 nominees on Monday. 

The two have had stranglehold on the award in recent years with Kaka being the last player to top the duo for the annual award.

This year's field has a number of interesting candidates, including Luka Modric, who claimed FIFA's Best Men's Player award, as well as a strong French contingent following this summer's World Cup triumph.

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  Ballon d'Or 2018 Fact 1

  8 – The number of Real Madrid players selected. Crowned as Champions League winners for the third time in a row, the Spanish club is the most represented team among the nominees. 

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  Ballon d'or 2018 Fact 2

  14 – The amount of nominees from La Liga. It is the league most represented ahead the Premier League (11), Ligue 1 (3) and Serie A (2).

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  Ballon d'or 2018 Fact 3

  14 – Cristiano Ronaldo is present among the nominees for the 14th time in a row. It is the longest consecutive streak just ahead of Lionel Messi (13).

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  Ballon d'or 2018 Fact 4

  12 – The number of new nominees that weren't involved in the 2017 Ballon d'Or. The rate of returning nominees is lower than last year's award