FOOTBALL NEWS
09/10/2017 18:30, Report by Adam Marshall
DE GEA ON SHORTLIST FOR 2017 BALLON D'OR
David De Gea is Manchester United's sole representative on the 30-man shortlist for the 2017 Ballon d'Or.
The Spain no.1 has enjoyed a fine year for club and country and, last week, confirmed a place at the World Cup finals with another clean sheet - in a win over Albania.
Universally acknowledged as one of the best keepers on the planet, he has previously missed out on a place on the list, perhaps surprisingly, but was confirmed on Monday as one of the players in contention for this year's prize.
Former Red Cristiano Ronaldo is favourite to retain the trophy, with he and Lionel Messi battling it out for the honour over the past nine seasons. Real Madrid icon Ronaldo has won it four times, once while at United in 2008, while Barcelona star Messi has come out on top on five occasions.
The three other United men to be awarded the Ballon d'Or, which is presented by France Football, are Denis Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.
