FIFA, the world governing body of football, announced on Friday its list of the 24 best footballers in the world.
The footballers were selected by a panel of "FIFA legends," like two-time World Cup winner Cafu, joint FIFA player of the 20th century Diego Maradona, and one of the greatest African footballers of all-time Jay-Jay Okocha.
This panel recognised performance and achievement from November 20, 2016, through to July 2, 2017.
National football team captains, national team head coaches, members of the international football media, and the public now have the opportunity to vote for the world's best footballer.
Members of the public can vote here when voting begins on August 21, before polls close on September 7.
FIFA will then announce its winner at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London on October 23.
Here are the 24 best footballers on the planet right now, in alphabetical order.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — Borussia Dortmund striker.
Age: 28
Nationality: Gabon
Why he was one the best players of 2016-2017 season: Scored seven goals in nine Champions League appearances.
Leonardo Bonucci — AC Milan defender.
Age: 30
Nationality: Italian
Why he was one the best players of 2016-2017 season: The consistency of his performances saw him displace Giorgio Chiellini as the defensive leader of Juventus's iconic back three. He has since transferred to AC Milan.
Gianluigi Buffon – Juventus goalkeeper.
Age: 39
Nationality: Italian
Why he was one the best players of 2016-2017 season: 67 saves and 12 clean sheets from 30 Serie A games helped guide Juventus to the Italian championship title.
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