Van Dijk, Sterling & De Ligt... The first-time nominees for Ballon d'Or

A number of footballers have been pinching themselves this week, after making the final shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award - the most coveted individual honour in the sport.

Despite the award, presented by Football France, featuring on an annual basis, it is surprising to note how many stars have indeed made the final cut for the very first time.

We takes a look at the newcomers to the party, some experienced and some much more fresh-faced, to determine who has the best chances of joining football's history books and take home the gleaming golden trophy.

Raheem Sterling - Manchester City

After skyrocketing in the last few seasons, Raheem Sterling is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

It is no secret Pep Guardiola has crafted the 24-year-old into an entirely different player, with multi facets to his game.

Though he made last season's longlist for the prestigious award, the Manchester City talisman was not passed through the final cut. Now, arguably the most important man at the Etihad, Sterling looks set to compete outright for the honour for many years to come.

Frenkie de Jong - Barcelona

Though he tries to brush it aside, the mercurial Dutchman has been compared endlessly to Johan Cruyff.

When you become one of the latest signings for Barcelona, that sure is some pressure to deal with.

Despite being just 22, De Jong scooped UEFA's Midfielder of the Season award for the previous campaign, in which he played a crucial role in guiding Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals.

Now pulling the string at the Nou Camp and getting better by the week, De Jong's Ballon d'Or odds look set to shorten season upon season.

Matthijs de Ligt - Juventus

Alongside De Jong, central defender De Ligt was the other prime reason why Ajax performed so impressively.

Both Dutch youngsters missed out on the Ballon d'Or shortlist this time last year, due to the incredible European run only then being in its infancy.

Like his compatriot, De Ligt sealed a huge summer move away from Ajax. While it has been a relatively slow start to life at Juventus, the 20-year-old has his eyes set on becoming one of the very few defenders to lift the golden orb.

Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool

Given his sheer dominance in the last 18 months, it's puzzling to comprehend how Van Dijk has only now made the final shortlist.

His rise at Liverpool, since briefly becoming the world's most expensive defender, has been nothing short of meteoric. The experienced Dutchman has completely transformed Jurgen Klopp's team and, at 28, is expected to be feature as a Ballon d'Or mainstay.

So unstoppable has Van Dijk's run of form been, the Liverpool rock is now placed as favourite to win the honour and become the first defender to do so since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

Georginio Wijnaldum - Liverpool

Another Dutchman and another Liverpool star, Gini Wijnaldum has been a quiet assassin in the rise of the sleeping Merseyside giants.

Trusted to do a specific role week-in, week-out by Klopp, Wijnaldum maintains to consistently be a vital cog which helps the Liverpool machine run at full-power.

Though often overlooked because of the perceived simplicity of his role, Wijnaldum is now being praised by the high powers that be in football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool

At just 21, Alexander-Arnold's career record is already starting to beggar belief.

Playing in back-to-back European cup finals, before heading to the World Cup, the full-back has plenty of experience in his young legs already.

The corner played in for Divock Origi against Barcelona in the semi-finals of last season Champions League has already been cemented in the football annals, giving the Liverpool man a place among the world's finest in the shortlist of nominees.

Dusan Tadic - Ajax

Though De Jong and De Ligt moved onto pastures new, Tadic remained at Ajax and continues to be a driving force for the side.

Once written off at Southampton, Tadic's reward for a sublime season has equated to Ballon d'Or recognition.

At 30, Tadic is the oldest newcomer to make the final cut for the first time.

Donny van de Beek - Ajax

It was to be expected that Ajax players would have a large baring on the 2019 awards, so strong was their prior season.

Van de Beek remains at the club, and appears to have even gone up a level since the Champions League semi-final exploits.

Linked frequently with Real Madrid, the 22-year-old appears to be a relatively under the radar character who could well shape the future of European football.

Marc-Andre ter-Stegen - Barcelona

Perhaps the most consistent goalkeeper in world football, Ter-Stegen could also be seen as the most under-rated.

Playing as understudy to Manuel Neuer on the international scene has not helped matters, but now the Barcelona man is getting the plaudits he deserves.

Now considered an equal among the final cut of players, Ter-Stegen will bid to become the only goalkeeper since the legendary Lev Yashin to win the award.

Bernardo Silva - Manchester City

Forcing his way into the Manchester City set-up last season, Bernardo placed manager Guardiola into a position where he simply could not afford to bench him.

The diminutive Portuguese star became a mainstay in both Premier League and European matchday squads, and eased through to the final cut of the Ballon d'Or nominees for the first time as result.

Heung-min Son - Tottenham

The ever present diamond in a turbulent Tottenham team, Son always appears to be the man to count upon.

Last season he had a huge say in Spurs reaching the Champions League final, while the current campaign has still seen him as the go-to guy as times get tough.

Rather than playing in the shadow of Harry Kane, the South Korea and quietly and confidently emerged as his peer.

Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli

At the same age as Van Dijk, Kouilbaly is another experienced star who finds himself as a newcomer to the shortlist scene.

The Senegal international has been a rock at the heart of the Napoli defence for the past few seasons, boasting a remarkable record.

While very much an outside bet to go on and win the honour, Koulibaly remains tipped for one huge transfer before his career enters its twilight stage.

Joao Felix - Atletico Madrid

The new kid on the block, Joao Felix has the pressure on his shoulders of being dubbed the next Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now playing with his mentor on the international scene, Felix is expected to learn from the Ballon d'Or veteran at every opportunity.

Moving to Atletico Madrid ensured the young playmaker would continue to play regular football, which will be vital if he is to on and win the award in the coming years.

Marquinhos - Paris Saint Germain

A solid season in France has seen Marquinhos elevate his status to now be considered among the best in the sport.

The Brazil defender has flourished alongside Thiago Silva, and now looks set to replace his compatriot both domestically and internationally.