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The nominees for various categories of the 2019 Globe Soccer Awards were announced on Monday, and there is a notable absence in its three-man shortlist for Player of the Year.
While Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the shortlist for the best player of 2018, his longstanding rival, Lionel Messi, is missing.
The Globe Soccer Awards have announced Ronaldo, Paris Saint-Germain ace Kylian Mbappe, and Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann as the players in the running for the award instead.
While Ronaldo helped his former club Real Madrid win a third consecutive Champions League title, Griezmann and Mbappe both aided their home country in lifting the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Portuguese ace has also been recognised for his goal-scoring exploits with Serie A giants Juventus, where he has netted a record-breaking 10 goals so far this campaign.
The Globe Soccer Award ceremony takes place every year, and is organised by the EFAA (European Football Agents Association) and the ECA (European Club Association).
The awards aim to recognise excellence in players, managers, and clubs in the world of football.
The 10th edition of the awards will be held on 3 January 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Messi and Ronaldo have both been included in the thirty-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, but rumours have been rife of their absence from the top three, with reports stating that the top three spots have been filled by Croatia and Real Madrid star Luka Modric, Raphael Varane, and World Cup star Kylian Mbappe. The winner of the award will be announced on December 3 in the French capital.
Since the release of the nominees, fans have taken to Twitter to address Ronaldo's inclusion and Messi's notable absence.
