Ronaldo is the early favourite after guiding Portugal to Euro 2016 glory despite limping out of the final. The Portugal star scored 35 goals in La Liga last season to go with his 16 Champions League strikes. Griezmann was the tournament’s top player and golden boot winner after scoring six goals as France finished runners-up while Bale shone as Wales punched well above their weight in France.

The jury will cast their votes for the winner during the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday 25 August.

Past editions have been won by Lionel Messi (2011, 2015), Andres Iniesta (2012), Franck Ribéry (2013) and Ronaldo (2014).

Other positions:

4. Luis Suárez (Barcelona and Uruguay) – 29 points
5. Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) – 25
6. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy) – 19
7. Pepe (Real Madrid and Portugal) – 9
8. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munchen and Germany) – 6
9. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid and Germany) – 5
10. Thomas Müller (Bayern Munchen and Germany) – 2

Nominees stats:

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid and Wales)

Domestic league
Appearances: 23
Goals: 19
Assists: 10

Champions League
Appearances: 8
Goals: 0
Assists: 3

EURO 2016
Appearances: 6
Goals: 3
Assists: 1

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid and France)

Domestic league
Appearances: 38
Goals: 22
Assists: 5

Champions League
Appearances: 13
Goals: 7
Assists: 1

EURO 2016
Appearances: 7
Goals: 6
Assists: 2

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal)

Domestic league
Appearances: 36
Goals: 35
Assists: 11

Champions League
Appearances: 12
Goals: 16
Assists: 4

EURO 2016
Appearances: 7
Goals: 3
Assists: 3