Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is being eyed by Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the award in recent years, with no other player scooping the honour since Kaka in 2007.
Salah has been tipped to challenge the La Liga pair this year following a stunning debut campaign at Anfield.
The Egyptian has scored 44 goals since his summer switch from Roma and his impressive form has led to speculation that Real Madrid could be set to swoop.
This evening Salah will come face-to-face with the La Liga side, spearheaded by Ballon d’Or rival Ronaldo, as the two heavyweights meet in the Champions League final.