FIFA on Monday unveiled its three-man shortlist for the 2019 Best Men's Player award - with Cristiano Ronaldo, Virgil van Dijk and Lionel Messi all competing for the top prize.
The European superstars will battle it out to win the prestigious gong, currently held by Real Madrid's Luka Modric, in a ceremony billed to be held in Milan on September 23.
All three names were recognised for their formidable achievements at both the front and rear of the pitch throughout the last year. The trio according to Sky Sports are also set to contest in the final three of the Balon d'Or award, which is to be announced later this year - and van Dijk remains the current favourite.
The towering Dutchman was voted PFA Player of the Year for last season, and also claimed the same title from UEFA for his heroics throughout Liverpool's Champions League winning campaign.
Jurgen Klopp's side had shipped just 22 goals and finished in second spot at the end of a breathless Premier League title race.
Van Dijk's confidence and assured nature, no matter the situation, helped settle a notoriously shaky Reds defence - and countless elite strikers had failed to dribble beyond the 28-year-old across a 65-game run.
His reign as the world's most expensive defender was brought to an end after Harry Maguire's switch to Manchester United, but van Dijk continues to be Europe's most feared centre half.
Van Dijk had also captained his country to the Nations League final, after Holland had topped a group containing powerhouses Germany and France.s
