Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to hold a monopoly on the coveted Ballon d'Or amid what has been a record-breaking career for both men.
Generally viewed as two of the greatest - if not the greatest - players of all time, they have lit up world football for over 15 years now.
Such has been their dominance, Ronaldo and Messi have won the Ballon d'Or a staggering 11 times between them.
It might soon be 12, too, as Argentina great Messi closes in on the 2021 accolade - after finally leading his country to glory on the international stage at Copa America.
Ronaldo has been there, done it and worn the proverbial tee-shirt in that regard, courtesy of Euro 2016 success.
Manchester United sent shockwaves across the Premier League - and beyond - during the summer transfer window when they tempted the 36-year-old to return to Old Trafford from Juventus.
He's already rolled back the years with several eye-catching performances, but Ronaldo is not expected to launch a genuine challenge for the Ballon d'Or this time around.
The five-time Champions League winner has now also, it would seem, been snubbed by his long-term rival.
Aside from a one-off decision in 2018 that saw Croatia playmaker Luka Modric pick up the prize, you would have to turn your clocks back to 2007 to see a name other than Ronaldo or Messi on the glittering, golden sphere - although Bayern Munich sensation Robert Lewandowski was favourite in 2020, before Covid-19 intervened.
Who should win the Ballon d'Or for 2021? Have your say in the comments section below.
But who does Messi see as his biggest challengers this year? Spoiler alert, it's not Ronaldo!
Speaking to France Football, the Barcelona great - who traded Spain for Paris Saint-Germain this summer, said: "In my team, there are two for whom I will easily vote; Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
"And then Robert Lewandowski, who has just had a great year and Karim Benzema who was excellent."
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