Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Dayot Upamecano had their names on the ballot for the most anticipated individual award of the year, French Football's Ballon d'Or.
Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz was among the first names to be unveiled by the organizers.
The Colombian star enjoyed the best season of his career after arriving in Munich from Liverpool for €75 million.
The transfer fee quickly became a bargain as Diaz displayed unbelievable chemistry with his teammates and recorded nearly 50 goals and assists for Bayern across all competitions. Diaz's presence filled Vincent Kompany's need for a goal threat on the left-hand side, which Bayern has been searching for a long time
Lucho's teammate on the opposite flank, Michael Olise, was rightfully named as one of the finalists after the calibre of season he had for club and country. Olise tallied 31 assists across all competitions for Bayern Munich, equalling Thomas Muller's Bundesliga assist record of 21. His importance for Bayern is undeniable, as he is the main creative threat in one of the best offences of all time.
The Frenchman was the assist king in every competition he played in last season, including the Champions League and the World Cup. Most notably, Olise broke Pele's 56-year record for assists at a single World Cup with seven in his debut campaign.
Olise's compatriot Dayot Upamecano received his first nomination for the Ballon d'Or. Upamecano's development and rise to become one of the world's most elite center-backs have been crucial to Bayern Munich's success. His awareness and physicality allow Vincent Kompany to deploy a risky attacking tactic, knowing Upamecano can clean up the mess on the counter.
That said, the 27-year-old has tremendous quality in possession, carrying the ball forward and building up from the back, highlighted by his assist to Harry Kane in the Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Upamecano is arguably France's most important player in the World Cup. Without his presence, Les Blues had one of the most disastrous defensive outings in the first half against England in the third-place playoff.
Kane amongst favourites to win the award
Last but not least, the favourite and front-runner for the Ballon d'Or, the talisman himself, Harry Kane.
They say the number speaks for itself, with 73 goals for club and country and the second-best goal-scoring season of all time.
Bayern and England fans rate. while playmaking from deep and tracking back to cover for the defence in transition are duties usually not associated with a top striker. The English striker is backed by many former players and pundits to become this year's Ballon d'Or winner, and nothing short of that.
The Ballon d'Or voting is now open, with the winner being announced on October 26 in London.
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